St. George, Utah - Norinne Smith Holt Walton, 91, peacefully passed away on August 8, 2024, in her cherished home in St. George, Utah. A fall nine days prior precipitated her departure, but her spirit left this world surrounded by the love she cultivated throughout her life.
She was born on October 27, 1932, in Clearfield, Utah, to Elwin William Charles Smith and Ella Watterson. Growing up in Clearfield as the second of four darling daughters, Norinne ‘s childhood was filled with warm sisterly bonds. She flourished academically and creatively at Davis High School, where she served as the editor of the "D" Book (yearbook), graduating in 1950 with grace and promise.
It was in Clearfield that Norinne's story intertwined with that of her future husband, Richard Nelson Holt. Though their initial connection was through small-town familiarity, it blossomed into love during Norinne’s junior year of high school. Richard, a senior at the time, expressed his admiration for Norinne in her yearbook, saying “You are the most understanding, sweetest, prettiest, nicest, well-mannered, and loveable girl...I don’t think it possible to meet any person to your equal” His words rang true throughout Norinne's life, a testament to her unwavering kindness and charm.
Norinne attended Utah State Agricultural College for a year before returning to Clearfield to work in anticipation of Richard’s return from his LDS mission in the Central Atlantic States. Their love story culminated in a marriage for eternity on April 30, 1953, in the Salt Lake Temple, marking the beginning of a union that grew sweeter and stronger year by year.
Five months after their marriage, Richard enlisted to serve in the United States Army ahead of the draft for the Korean War. Norinne joined Richard in Germany where he was stationed to maintain peace at the Russian border. They lived in Aschaffenburg, Germany for a year, making the most of Richard’s weekends and leave time by exploring historic sites and deepening their bond amid the backdrop of post-war Europe.
Returning to the United States in 1955, Norinne and Richard settled in Salt Lake City, where they welcomed their first child. After Richard completed his Business degree at the University of Utah, the young family moved to southern California, where they would expand their family and build a life filled with love, faith, and service. Their first years were spent in La Puente where three more children joined the family. In 1965, the family moved to Sunland and welcomed the addition of their last two children. Norinne lived in Sunland for nearly 30 years.
Norinne’s devotion to her family was matched only by her commitment to her faith. She was an active and beloved member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in numerous callings and touching countless lives with her testimony of Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving dinners were particularly special, as Norinne’s heartfelt testimonies became a cherished family tradition.
Her life was a living example of the motto “Charity Never Faileth.” Norinne’s love for others was expressed through thoughtful visits, delicious meals, beautiful flowers, and the warmth of her home, which she opened to all. Her friendship with George and Rikki Sarros blossomed into a lifelong honorary family bond, just one example of her capacity to make others feel truly loved and valued.
After 33 years of marriage, Richard was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer and passed away six weeks later December 12, 1986, a loss that deeply affected Norinne. Richard’s successful business career and good planning allowed him to leave his beloved wife securely provided for in her bereavement. With unwavering faith, Norinne pressed forward and continued to find joy in life.
In 1994, Norinne sold her stunning Sunland home and moved to St. George, Utah, where she built a beautiful home overlooking the city and surrounding red rock mountains. This home became a gathering place loved by all who visited her. The sunny, hot climate of St. George suited her perfectly, she always preferred to feel warm rather than cold. Norinne made many friends and continued her loving service to others in her new hometown.
In St. George, Norinne found love once more with Franklin Dean Walton, a widower who shared her deep faith and zest for life. They married on October 7, 1994, in the St. George Temple, embarking on nearly three decades of shared happiness. They cherished their time together and especially enjoyed sharing their love with their respective families. Whether walking, playing golf, or serving in the temple together, Norinne and Dean filled their days with love, laughter, and mutual devotion, exemplifying the beauty of God’s plan for companionship.
Norinne’s life was marked by a passion for learning and self-improvement. She thrived in school, always challenging herself to do her best, and carried that love of learning into adulthood. By honing her talents in handiwork, she beautified her homes and presented sweet gifts to others while keeping an intelligent eye on her strict budget. Norinne’s enthusiasm for growth and good health inspired her singing practice and participation in the sports of tennis and golf. Thereafter, her lovely alto voice graced ward choirs and her competitive spirit found an outlet on the golf course, where she and Dean playfully challenged each other to improve their scores.
In her final months, as health challenges arose, Norinne faced them with the same grace that defined her entire life. She continued to smile and find joy in the small things, appreciating the beauty of life even as it became more difficult to navigate.
Norinne leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Franklin Dean Walton; her six children: Kathryn Day (James), George Stanford Holt (Julie), Rebecca Johnson (Randall), Elizabeth Hall (Gary), Richard Darin Holt (Ashley), and Rachell Holt; as well as 24 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Dean’s children all felt Norinne’s instant love for them following their marriage. Surviving is Wendy Winward (Dean), Pam Peperone, Karen Woodruff (Barry), David Walton (Kathy), Mark Walton (Kaylene); 25 grandchildren, and 42 great grandchildren.
Norinne is also survived by two sisters: Laura Warren (Carl) and Trudy Larkins (Gary); a brother-in-law, Jay Call; and a sister-in-law, Carolyn Hess (Jerry). Norinne was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Holt; her parents; her sister, Maxine Green; and two sisters-in-law: Elaine Call and Marie Christensen (Hank). Many extended family members and dear friends all felt included in the circle of Norinne’s love.
The family is grateful for the Dixie Hospice caregivers who provided tender and thoughtful service to Norinne during the last days of her life.
A viewing will be held in St. George, Utah on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd, St. George, Utah.
Norinne’s remains will be transported to Clearfield, Utah where she will be interred next to her eternal companion in the Clearfield City Cemetery. Prior to burial, a viewing at 10:30 a.m. and a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. will be held Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Aaron's Mortuary, 1050 State Street, Clearfield, Utah.
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