Nedra Nadine White

Nedra Nadine White, age 73, died peacefully, with loved ones at her side, on February 17th, 2022. Nedra was born on June 22, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Orrin and Louise Curtis. She grew up and attended school in the Midvale area, graduating from Hillcrest High School in 1966. Nedra was a bonafide bookworm and was often found reading in her room, avoiding chores, and hiding from her siblings. On one occasion, after not cleaning up her room, Nedra’s mom prohibited her from reading any more books until she finished her chores. That punishment was motivating enough for her to keep her room clean after that. This love of reading continued throughout her life.

Nedra and her family spent a lot of time camping, boating, fishing, and traveling. Her loving parents taught her the importance of working hard, being honest, and making family the highest priority. Nedra carried these qualities with her into adulthood, as she began to make a family of her own.

Nedra had a special bond with her sister Linda, which has continued to grow over the years. Nedra and Linda enjoyed spending time together, talking about family, and cheering for the Utah Jazz.

Nedra met the love of her life, Travis (TJ) White through mutual friends in 1969. After a whirlwind romance that included an over-the-phone marriage proposal, Nedra and TJ were married on August 9, 1969. They have spent the last 53 years loving and supporting one another, all the while building their beautiful family. Together they had three children, Janet Culpepper, Brenda (Brett) Byrnes, and Jon (Tiffany) White; eight grandchildren, Morgan (Stuart) Breen, Kacy Culpepper, Amara (Connor) Spere, Victoria Zimmerman, Brinley White, Brayah White, Justin Zimmerman, and Travis White; and five great-grandchildren with one on the way to be born any day now.

While Nedra’s kids were young, she worked in the library of Park Lane Elementary, where she was able to share her love of reading with many kids. In 1991 she began working for the Utah State Office of Recovery Services. During that time, she met many friends, some of whom she stayed in contact with after retirement. While Nedra enjoyed her years in the workforce, she especially loved retirement and oftentimes would comment “everyone should try it”.

Nedra (more affectionately known as Nana) was the center of our family, creating a close-knit and loving dynamic. Nana was undoubtedly always the one to go to for advice and mentoring. She was a good listener and generous with her time, having long and meaningful conversations with family members. She could also be counted on when times got tough. Without fail, she welcomed family, friends, and even animals with open arms during hard times. Her home, where she lived for 50 years, was open to anyone who needed comfort or stability, becoming a safe haven for all. Nana was very hospitable and willing to host family gatherings for holidays, birthdays, and times where the family just wanted to get together. She made home-cooked meals, filled with flavor and love. Some of the favorites include Nana’s rolls, oh boy casserole, and goulash. She also took the time to teach the grandkids how to make these meals, so the traditions will continue on for generations.

Nedra and TJ, along with other family members, built a family cabin in the mountains near Duchesne, and this became the place where many family memories were made. The kids and grandkids spent a lot of time at the cabin riding 4 wheelers, hiking, building treehouses, picking flowers from the meadow specifically for Nana, and sitting around the fire pit. At the cabin, Nana also fed us well. We all looked forward to big breakfasts, smores, and the family favorite - “cabin soup”. We cherished the time together at the cabin and are grateful for the memories made.

Holidays were always special at Nana and Pa’s house, but especially Christmas. Early on, Nana created the tradition of making matching pajamas for all of the grandkids and writing a family letter from ‘Mrs. Claus’ that highlighted all of the great things the kids had done that year. This tradition, which was carried on for decades, is so special to the family that the grandkids plan to continue doing it with their own families. It is one way that we plan to keep Nana’s spirit alive. Nana was truly the most magical woman. She made each of her kids and grandkids feel so special with unique nicknames, sayings, and quality time activities. She was a cuddler and oftentimes let the grand/great-grandkids sit on her lap to read a book, watch a movie, or sing “I Love You a Bushel and a Peck”. She was passionate about what she loved: family, spirituality, reading, and drinking coffee on her back porch in the mornings, among other things. Our lives are not going to be the same without her but we are thankful for the time that we have been given and will continue to do our best to make her proud. We love you, Nana!

Nedra is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sister Linda Jordan. Preceded in death by her parents, two brothers (Kent and Doc Curtis), and other family members who we have no doubt were welcoming her when she returned home.

Mom’s final wish was to be cremated and buried at a later date with Dad. We will be having a celebration of her life on Thursday, February 24th, 2022 at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary (1950 E Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, UT). There will be a visitation with the family from 5:30-6:30, to be followed by a service starting at 6:30.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Stonehenge South Jordan Care Center for the loving care that they provided to our mom, especially during her final hours.