Norma E Wilford

Norma E. Bleak Wilford was born at home in Mesa Arizona on September 13, 1919 to Richard Moore Bleak and Ellye Ellsworth and older brother, Richard Wells Bleak. She had auburn hair and blue eyes and a willful determination that served her well throughout her life. The economic circumstances of the Great Depression took her family to California in search of employment opportunities. Because of the hardship that characterized that time, she learned how to work hard, be resourceful and persistent, and endure difficult times with patience. At a young age, she was developing traits that would help her navigate the long road of life ahead of her.

She married John S. Wilford, Sr. September 7, 1948 in the Manti Temple. Johnny, as she called him, was an English immigrant, an avocado farmer/salesman and a widower with 3 sons, and an infant daughter: Elmer (13), Stanley(11), Paul(10), and Robin (6 mos). Together, Johnny and Norma had four more children: Richard and Sharon (twins), Russell, and Leonard making her the proud mother of eight.

John and Norma moved from Whittier, California in 1957 to a small farm in Medford, Oregon where they managed a pear/apple orchard. They worked hard together to build a life in Oregon and provide for the needs of their large family. Just nine short years after they were married, Johnny was very unexpectedly killed in a car accident. At 38 years-old, Norma was a widow and the sole provider for their 5 younger children; now ages 2-9. Through her grief, she prioritized her children and their education and opportunities. As they struggled together to get through, she instilled in each of them a firm understanding of Him whose struggle made it possible to hope for easier days, happier days, and less lonely days ahead. Her two favorite scriptures are exemplified in her behavior throughout her life:

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

"I will go and do the things that the Lord hath commanded. For I know that the Lord giveth no commandment unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them." (1 Nephi 3:7)

The hope of her testimony propelled her to fill her days with service, education, and opportunity. She was a Stake Missionary, a dedicated 100% Visiting Teacher, and served in Primary and Stake Relief Society callings faithfully. She loved new technology and computers and was properly titled as the most accurate Family History indexer, extracting over 100,00 names. Because of her love for the temple, she served missions to the London and Sydney, Australia Temples, and was a Vernal Temple ordinance worker for 14 years. After her release, she attended faithfully twice a week, and continued to serve until just 3 months prior to her death.

Norma loved school, was an excellent student, and always had an insatiable appetite for reading, learning, and writing poetry. She could stimulate any gospel discussion because of her knowledge of the scriptures and the mysteries of the kingdom. She loved and memorized all the hymns and never needed a songbook to sing them. She excelled in business classes and mastered shorthand and typing, which made her a successful secretary, bookkeeper, and office manager. Her last employment was at Uintah Basin Women's Health, working for Dr. Keith Evans and the hospital when she was well into her 70's.

Norma learned to sew at a young age and was a skilled seamstress, creating beautiful clothes for her children and grandchildren. We will remember her talented hands that crafted, sewed, embroidered, cross-stitched, and made porcelain figurines and dolls that she lovingly gave as gifts to family and friends and those who served her. She loved to travel and enjoyed road trips across the United States and international tours; her favorite was to the Holy Land.

Norma treasured the friendship of Howard W. Hunter (later Apostle and Prophet) who was her Genealogy/Sunday School teacher and Bishop. She stayed close to Pres. Hunter through the years, and a letter dated Dec. 10, 1980 sums up his admiration for her: "As I look back on the years and the great things you have accomplished, it gives me a feeling of gratitude to know persons like you with faith and devotion who have accomplished so much. It must be a source of great satisfaction to you to have raised your family with the success that brings all of your children to this point. Surely they must be grateful at this season of the year for the gift that has been given to them. When you see or talk with the children, I hope you will give them my regards."

We express gratitude and thanks to Gayle Farley, her caregiver and friend the last 18 months, to Cathy Nolte & her RS, Home/Visiting Teachers, to Nancy West and all the temple workers who served her, and to the nurses and CNA's at the Villa who she was so grateful for. Norma is survived by her children: Elmer (Winelle) Wilford~Nampa, Id., Robin (Phil) Bunderson, St. George, Ut., Richard (Priscila) Wilford, Medford, Or., Sharon (Keith) Evans, Roosevelt, Ut., Leonard (Lori) Wilford, Afton, Wy. Norma left this frail existence on June 29, 2016, teaching us all how to endure to the end. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny in 1958; also her sons: Stanley, Paul, and Russ, grandson, Steve Wilford, great-granddaughter, Lucie LeeAnne Bell, granddaughter-in-law, Aubrey Wilford, and a grandson-in-law, Robert Medve. Her 30 grandchildren and over 50 great-grandchildren will always remember her as GG who loved them a "bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck." Thank you Mother, Grandma, and GG for leaving a legacy of being true to the faith, obedient, and living your testimony in the Savior's way.

Funeral services held on Monday, July 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Roosevelt West Stake Center. A viewing will be held on from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Burial and graveside service will be in Memory Gardens, Medford, Oregon on Friday, July 15 at 11 a.m.