The world lost aloving "friend"anda nurturing "matriarch" when Beth White Nordgren (age 97)passed away on April 13, 2017 of natural causes, surrounded by family, in the home of her daughter, Lisa Hanson. Beth was born on February 5, 1920, to Charles A. and Olive B. White. Throughout her life, she resided in either the Salt Lake area or Monroe, Sevier County, Utah. She was greatly loved by those who knew her for her compassionate and caring ways as well as her spunky sense of humor and adventure. Friends were her specialty.
Beth White married her hometown sweetheart, Jason V. Nordgren, on December 22, 1941, in the Manti, Utah L.D.S. Temple. He affectionately called her "honey top." Jason and Beth were blessed with two sons and four daughters. Beth had a special and unique relationship with each one.
Beth received her education at South Sevier High School in Monroe and Brigham Young University in Provo. Upon graduation, she taught kindergarten and second grade briefly and then "retired" to be a full time wife and mother. Years later, she was a regular substitute teacher at East Mill Creek Elementary School in Salt Lake.
Beth loved music. In school, she played the violin and flute. As a talented alto, sheparticipated in trios and other singing groups throughout her life. She loved to listen to music, enjoying Lawrence Welk, her hero, every Saturday evening. One daughter, several grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren excelin music and Beth encouraged and supported them in any way that she could.
Beth cared for her aged mother prior to her mother's passing. She also assisted in the care of her husband, Jason, who passed away eight years ago.
Sister Nordgrenwas an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Beth worked in the Mutual Improvement Association (Young Womens), Relief Society,and Primary organizations. She served as the Bishop's wife at age twenty-six. She worked for years in theChurch's Genealogical Extraction Program. Most recently, she was the revered eldest member of the L.D.S. Murray Utah North Stake. She took her role seriously as she tried to be the best example to all who knew her.
Beth is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son David Craig Nordgren (Downs Syndrome), her only brother and sister -in -law (Morgan B. and Mildred Tanner White), son -in -law (Robert Winget),infant great grandson (Jay Anderson Winget), and great-great grandson (Lincoln J Hyland). She is also preceded in death by numerous extended family members, friends, class mates, and loved ones. That is what happens when one lives to be 97 years old.
Bethis survived by her children: Ronald (Ruthmary) Nordgren,Linda (Bob, deceased) Winget, Kathryn (Bruce) Peterson, Joyce (Mark) Christensen, and Lisa (Jim) Hanson. She leaves behind a legacy of twenty-five grandchildren, fifty-one great grandchildren, and four great, great grandchildren. A few years ago, these family members received as a gift a hard bound, 221 page, auto biography written by this 90 + woman.
Good bye to an elegant, lovely, sweet lady. She will be sorely missed.
Beth's funeral service will be held Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Riverside 3rd Ward Chapel, 5200 South Glendon Way, Murray, UT. A viewing will be held Friday, April 21, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 South) Sandy, UT and from 9-10 a.m. at the ward on Saturday. A graveside service and interment will be at the Monroe City Cemetery at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22.
