Zora Mickelson

ZORA MICKELSON IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Zora Mickelson, 89, formerly of Idaho Falls, died September 13, 2007, at Nampa Care Center. She was born May 24, 1918, at Provo, Utah, to Sherwin M. Maeser and Zelila McQuarrie Maeser. The family moved to Logan, Utah where she attended schools, graduating from Logan High School. She continued her education at Utah State University in Logan where she received her Bachelor's Degree. On July 9, 1946, she married Norman G. Mickelson in Evanston, Wyoming. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple in February of 1984. He preceded her in death on July 21, 1986. She was a mother, homemaker, and taught Ninth Grade English at O. E. Bell and Clair E. Gale Junior Highs for 30 years. She will be remembered by her students as a strict, but fair teacher of Advance English and Greek Mythology. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her Grandfather was Karl G. Maeser, the founding father of Brigham Young University. She enjoyed reading, church activities, and playing bridge. At the age of 16, Zora was the first woman to descend into and cross Boulder Dam. Survivors include: Daughter: A. Margo Adams, Boise, ID Brother: Sherwin "Mac" Maeser, Mercer Island, WA 2 Grandchildren & 2 Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 18, 2007, at Fielding Memorial Park under the direction of Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, in Idaho Falls. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made at www.cancer.org. ----------------------------------------------------- Condolences sent online: Lisa Smith lsmitty@ida.net I had Mrs. Mickelson as my English/Mythology teacher in Junior High. I remember how much I loved her story telling ability and wry sense of humor (she could be pretty dry and she kept you on your toes as to whether or not she was pulling your chain or not). Years later, I joined the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and found myself luckily in her Ward. She was a great and faithful lady. I went to a special fireside that she presented, "The Book and the Map," a perspective on Book of Mormon geography. There she was, still teaching me. She was a gifted teacher and articulate with a great mind. She was a wonderful example to women. Being a convert, I wasn't and am still not a "cookie cutter" Mormon and she "got me." I appreciated Zora because her faith was strong, but she lived in the real world and accepted the world as it was, although tried to change it for the better. I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad to know though that she has been around all these years. When I left the 31st Ward and lost touch I didn't know she had moved out of the area. God Bless you and may your reunion in the Eternities be full of joy and learning. Barbara G Rawlins jkrbgr@gmail.com Zora lived in the 31st Ward here in Idaho Falls and I learned to love her. She was my visiting teaching partner many years and we enjoyed being together. When she would call our home, our little ones would answer the phone and yell, "Mom, Zorro is on the phone." I would remind them that her name was Zora and when I would come to the phone, your Mom would be laughing about her new name. I admired Zora so much as she quietly tutored many of the local children after she retired from teaching. She kept teasing me about a broken arm after she moved to Boise, because I was not a very faithful letter writer. She would write and couldn't figure out why I didn't get much done. She came to see me whenever she came back to Idaho Falls. I loved her visits. Your Mom and Dad both touched my life and the life of my husband as we interacted with them. We will always love them and are grateful to know that we will be able to visit with them again in the life after this one. She loved all of you so much and spoke so highly of you. Our love to you. John and Barbara Rawlins Vaun M. Kirby [jvkirb@msn.com] Dear Margo, I don't know if you remember us, we lived in the brick house across the street from you on 19th. street. We were so sorry to hear about your Mother, I have wondered many times about her but had lost track of her for many years. I remember her so fondly and the great help she was to me at the time we were there. As you might remember, we adopted our son David and when he was only three months old we adopted our daughter Debra. We bought the house down the street when Debbie was only two weeks old. The house had to be cleaned on a Sunday so that we could move in by Monday morning. Vaun was home with the children and my Mother and I went down the street to do the cleaning. In a short time your Mother came with bucket and mop in hand and stayed the day to clean and help us get ready to move. I will never forget that kindness. It was such a boost and help to me at a time when I was so overwhelmed. It was so special too because she was busy teaching and had a lady come in each week to help her with her cleaning. I am sorry that I will not be able to come to the services for your Mother. We will be leaving for Salt Lake in the morning and I will be in the hospital there for the week. Your Mother was a great lady and we just wanted you to know that we are so sorry for your loss. Love, Joy and Vaun Kirby