“Love is patient, love is kind” is the essence of our mother, Nola Rae Sirrine, who passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024 in Mesa, Arizona of natural causes at age 91. Her legacy includes six children: Dennis (Lizabeth Standage), Linda Hatch (Guy Hatch), Steven (Alisa Bernard), Michael (Pamela VanderHoeven), Diane Taylor (Brad Taylor), and Robert (Annette Lunt), 30 grandchildren, 73 great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren with another on the way!
Nola was born in Tucson (Binghamton) Arizona to Rose and Roy Elder on October 5, 1932, the second of four children: Jim (Carol Linford), Rena (John Hamlin) and Jan (Troy Nabors).
When the family moved to Mesa, Nola enjoyed twirling her rope in step with her dance team, the Mesa High School Rabbettes, at football games and rallies. Her sparkling smile and infectious laughter caught the eye of Gail Sirrine who was determined to make her his. He asked her for a dance at the town’s dance hall, the Mezona, and their beautiful love story began. They were soon married in the Mesa LDS temple on March 14, 1951 sealed for time and all eternity.
Together they worked to design and build custom homes and raise their family. Also they together opened Sirrine Del Camino nursery to enhance Gail’s landscaping business. This taught the children the value of work and commitment as the whole family could be seen at times watering plants and tending chores. Nola was well versed in the names of the plants and trees, where best to place them in the yard and how to care for them. Nola had a keen gift for design, color and balance. She decorated many custom homes and businesses in Mesa, California, Texas, and Utah.
However, her most important business was her family, and they always came first. Regardless of the family’s rigorous schedule, Nola made sure they sat down to a homemade dinner at 6 PM, then homework for the children, piano practicing, baths and bedtime. Now, with the house quiet, Nola could start her client’s next day schedule and outline. With every client she turned to the Lord in humble prayer for help to guide her thoughts, hands and designs.
Nola was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and accepted many callings. Her favorites were serving as Relief Society president of the 18th Ward and a mission with her husband, Gail, to restore the Heber C. Kimball home at the church’s historical site in Nauvoo, Illinois.
This endearing Bible verse aptly applies to our mom, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; And her husband also he praiseth her saying; Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. “ Proverbs 31:28-29
We fully believe that, while our mother‘s time on earth is over, she continues on, no longer hampered by her weakened mortal body; now she can soar with her great energy as a beautiful wife and counselor alongside her husband in their journey through eternity.
We miss and love you, mom, but look forward to reuniting as a family on Resurrection Day; the gift Heavenly Father gave to all his children through his son, Jesus Christ. “ For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
1 Corinthians 15:22
Funeral services at Bunker’s Mortuary
33 North Centennial Way (formally Sirrine Street) on January 26, 2024
11:00 Viewing, 12:00 Funeral
Interment following at the Mesa Cemetery.
Special thanks to Marta and the staff at Extended Family Assisted Living Home for their loving care.
The Rundall family wishes to extend our sincere sympathy to each of you in the passing of such a wonderful and talented lady. We became very close to her as she guided us in the extensive remodeling and decorating of our home over a lengthy period of time.
It is impossible to look at anything without thinking of her amazing skills. Judy (who passed away July 26, 2023) and Nola became close friends and truly enjoyed their time together.