Effie Norinne Richards Callister: August 18, 1911-June 30, 2009

Effie Norinne Richards Callister 8/18/1911 ~ 6/30/2009 Effie Norinne Richards Callister passed away June 30, 2009 at the age of 97.She was born August 18, 1911; Salt Lake City, Utah, the daughter of LeGrand Richards and Ina Jane Ashton Richards. Norrine lived most of her life in Glendale, California, where she met Reed Eddington Callister. They were married March 9, 1932, in the Salt Lake Temple by her grandfather, George F. Richards. She was the mother of six children, Reed Richards; David R; Douglas Lane; Paula Kaye (deceased); Tad Richards; and Susan Jane Becker. Norinne's husband passed away in 1989. They were married 57 years. Norinne's life was one of service. She loved helping others and was very charitable, both with her time and with her means. In the community, she served as PTA president at three different schools. She also was President of both her local P.E.O. and H.E.L.P. (Hospital Emergency Loan Plan), and she served on the boards of the YWCA, Red Cross and National Charity League and was Vice-President of the Women's Guild of the Glendale Symphony. In 1978, she was selected honorary California Mother of the Year and was awarded the Utah Heritage Award which stated, "Awarded to Norinne Richards Callister for outstanding service to Family - Church -Community". Norinne enjoyed beautiful art and loved classical music, and throughout her life she had a quest for learning. Her great faith and a strong testimony of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ were the foundation of her life and as a result she treasured the experiences of serving in the Church. Norinne worked diligently in many church callings, which included serving as Primary President, YWMIA President, and four times a Relief Society President, finally being released from that position in her 80th year. With her husband she lived three years in London, England where Reed presided over the mission from 1967-1969. Norinne's greatest legacy was her posterity. In addition to her six children, she loved and admired 35 grandchildren, 107 great-grand children, and recently welcomed her first great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 10, 12 Noon, in the Ensign Stake Center, 135 "A" Street. Friends may call at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Thursday, July 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday at the Church from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 South.

All of Derrick's siblings were able to attend the funeral, and actually, 34 of the 35 grandkids were able to attend. The lone straggler had an excuse as he was in the hospital.

Derrick's g-ma was a pretty sweet lady. Very classy. The one thing I remember about her was she loved to watch the Utah Jazz and referred to Shaquille O'Neill as Shaq O'Neill, which I thought was funny. I call him that still. She was always very sharp witted, even in her old age. Funny gal.

Since she was the daughter of LeGrand Richards and has GA sons, there were lots of GAs in attendance at her funeral. President Eyring of the First Presidency (LDS Church) spoke, and Elders Nelson and Ballard sat on the stand with Elder Hinckley and some others. After the service we met Elder Ballard and he looked at Summer and said, "I saw this little princess from up on the stand!" It was really cute and I'll always remember that.

This funeral was waaaaay more formal than my grandpa's funeral, to say the least. Lots of suits and ties and stiff handshakes and polite conversation with relatives I've never met and haven't seen in awhile. It was still a very nice time and a great service in honor of her long and fulfilling life.

Hopefully that's the last of the funerals for awhile!