Nancy Noble
Nancy Noble succumbed to the complications of old age Feb. 16, 2012, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. She had been a resident of Spring Creek Manor in Eagle, Idaho, since July of 2010.
Nancy was the youngest of five children born to Harry and Jessie Cromie Nov. 27, 1921, in Gore, New Zealand. She attended grammar school in Balfour and completed her high school education in the boarding school at Gore. Christened Anna Christina, she was nicknamed Nancy at an early age by her father, a moniker that stayed with her for the remainder of her life.
After graduation she moved to Wellington for employment. While living and working in Wellington she met the love of her life, Emery Noble, a United States Marine serving in the Pacific during World War II. Emery and Nancy were married Aug. 20, 1943, in St. Andrews Church in Wellington.
At the conclusion of WWII, Emery returned to Orofino and sent for his bride. Nancy boarded a ship in Wellington with other war brides immigrating to the United States. The ship landed two weeks later in New Orleans. From there she went by train to Chicago and then to Spokane, where Emery met her and brought her to her new home in Orofino. In 1952 she became a naturalized citizen at a ceremony at the Clearwater County Courthouse. She remained in Orofino until 2005.
In 1955, after her children were born, she began working at the Clearwater Tribune and was employed there until she retired. She will be remembered for the spirited pace of her walk to and from work each day.
Nancy was active in the Orofino community. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, P.E.O., Orofino Community Concerts, and the Orofino United Methodist Church. She was a judge and exhibitor at the Clearwater County Fair, and a dedicated spectator at her children's school events.
As a lifelong supporter of education, Nancy volunteered as a tutor, assisting many adults in Orofino to become proficient readers. She was a faithful patron and volunteer at the Orofino Community Library. Nancy was a stickler for proper grammar and the correct use of the English language, a holdover from her education in New Zealand.
She is survived by her four children; and two grandchildren. In New Zealand she leaves behind a nephew, a niece and several grand-nieces and nephews. She has two nieces in Australia, and their adult children.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Emery; a granddaughter, LeAnn; her parents; her sister, Molly Fraser; and three brothers, Jim, Jack and Alec Cromie.
A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. March 24 at the Orofino United Methodist Church. Bring your favorite memory/story to share.
Lewiston Tribune, February 26, 2012, p. 6C
Transcribed by Jill Leonard Nock