Nora Meeks Heaton died March 19, 2018 at her home in Kanab, Utah.  She was born December 20, 1922, to Isaiah and Minnie Chatterley Meeks in Kanab, Utah.  She grew up doing all of the things kids did in those days of freedom and fun in a small, rural Utah town.  Her best friends were her Meeks and Chatterley cousins.  She graduated from Kanab High School, where she was involved in all the activities, but she especially loved to dance.  Her favorite partner was her cousin, Boyd Meeks.  She was a talented singer and dancer, and performed acrobatics for many programs.

Nora married Melvin Kelsey Heaton (Kelly), on June 15, 1942, just before Kelly left for World War II.  Their first son Melvin Charles was born while he was serving.  Nora bravely carried on during the war years, supporting herself and raising Mel alone.  They were sealed in the St. George Temple, along with Mel, when Kelly was home on leave.

Kelly came home from the war very ill with rheumatic fever.  Although he recovered somewhat, he eventually died from the effects of it on May 9, 1959, leaving Nora a widow at age 35.  She raised her five children alone in Moccasin, and has led a busy and productive life.

Nora is a true woman of faith.  She served in the LDS Church in many capacities, including a full time mission at the Family History Center in Salt Lake City.

She had many talents, including writing, painting, and gardening, but her greatest joys and accomplishments were her family and the cabin.  She inherited summer cattle pasture from her father-in-law, Charles Heaton.  Her greatest desire was to build a family gathering place there in Stout Canyon.  Nora was a woman of vision and hard work.  This applied to the cabin, as with lots of enthusiasm and very little money, she gathered her family to build her dream.  The result is a remarkable gathering place for her family, who will never be able to think of the ranch without thinking of Grandma.

Nora spent 12 years of her life caring first for her Mother and then her Father until their passing, in their home in Kanab.  This amazing service was accompanied by the discovery of a talent for painting.  Her years of care taking became her artist years, producing paintings cherished and coveted by her family.  Her service to her parents was an example her children followed, as she came to the place in her life where she needed care herself.  Her children, remembering her example, took up that role so that she could remain in her home.

Her children and their spouses, and grandchildren provided full care for the past three years, along with grandson Ryan Schofield and his wife Paula, who moved into her basement for nighttime care.

Nora loved and appreciated her caregivers from Encompass home health, especially nurse Jordan Hatch, and massage therapist Rhonda Flatberg.  The family wishes to also thank Molly Adams, LuDean Little, Connie Keller, and Mary Riddle for their wonderful help with Mom’s care.

Nora is preceded in death by her husband Kelly, and as she said, “everyone I know is already over there.” Her children are Melvin C. Heaton (Rosemary,) Michael M. Heaton (Nancy,) Carolyn Grygla (Glen,) Kenneth H. Heaton (Tammy) and Laurie Schofield. Her beloved grandchildren truly included their spouses, and they, along with the great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, now total over two hundred.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 2:00 PM (AZ Time) in the Moccasin Arizona LDS Church. Viewings will be held Friday evening from 6:00-7:00 PM (UT Time) at Mosdell Mortuary, and Saturday afternoon from 1:00-2:00 PM (AZ Time) at the Moccasin Church. Burial will be in the Moccasin Cemetery. Arrangements were made with Mosdell Mortuary.