Nola Foster

Nola Fay was born May 23, 1932 in Seminole, Oklahoma to William and Reba Cloud. Nola was the oldest of 4 brothers and 2 sisters, but she shared a special bond with her younger brothers Bobby and Ricky. When she was 8 years old her family moved from Oklahoma to Arizona, where she attend school in Pima. Just after moving to Pima, Nola's sister Edith passed away. In 1948, at the age of 15, Nola married Melvin in Lordsburg, New Mexico. They were blessed with two sons, Ellis and Johnnie in 1950 and 1951. The family lived in Fort Thomas where Melvin worked at the Gin and Nola stayed home to care for the boys and run the household. One evening while living in Fort Thomas Melvin made the mistake of coming home late for dinner. When Melvin finally made his way home, Nola's famous temper showed itself when she thought Melvin was bringing in ice cream for the boys after making dinner cold, and nothing for her. Nola scolded Melvin for bringing ice cream home until she realized it wasn't ice cream in his hand, but rather a bandage from where he had smashed his hand at work. It was never a smart idea to cross Nola Fay. Nola was very active in the LDS Church and served in the Primary. The family moved to Mesa where Melvin work at an air base, and Nola did odd jobs. Their family was sealed together in the Mesa Temple in 1966. Later the family moved to Fort Huachuca, but Melvin wanted to return to Fort Thomas, so their family moved back. Nola went to work for JcPenny and then onto Safeway. After a time, Nola worked for the Factory as a seamstress and supervisor where Melvin was employed also. In 1973 Melvin obtained the farm from his step-brother, and subsequently purchased the Pima Bar. They worked the bar together until Melvin's heart attack and then they decided to sale the bar and they both retired. Melvin and Nola welcomed their first granddaughters, Heidi and Jlynn in 1978. In 1983, Heidi returned to Heaven. She was placed to rest next to Nola's sister in the Pima Cemetery. In the coming years the family welcomed granddaughters, Tabatha, Tracy and Crystal. In 1990, they were finally blessed with their first grandson, Austin. Nola had a passion for taking care of her grandchildren. Not an Easter or Christmas passed without new church dresses hand sew for the girls. Countless hours were spent playing at Papa and Granny's house, especially in the tree in front of their home. When their first great grandson, Tyler, was born, Nola and Melvin developed a special bond with him, spending most of their days watching and caring for him while Jlynn finished school. Nola was always there when her family needed her. Sunday's were for family dinner. There were not many Sunday's that Nola didn't have her crockpot going ready for family on Sunday. Every summer was family vacation time, and the go to vacation, Laughlin. Nola would wake up early and make breakfast sandwiches for everyone. After the car was loaded and grandkids situated, the family would caravan to Nevada. Nola loved to watch the kids feed the fish off the dock of the river, so after dinner, she would carefully wrap a few bread rolls in napkins and when the waitress wasn't looking sneak them into her purse. Nobody ever really knew what was in that purse, but it was heavy. Christmas Eve was their time. Everyone opening gifts and enjoying Christmas Dinner together at Papa and Granny's house, especially the candied yams (or maybe it was just the marshmallows). Anyone who knew her, knew Nola also had a passion for a few other things, like dancing and good music, the casino, tootsie rolls, and Avon. At any given time, you could sneak into her all purple, freezing cold bedroom and find tootsie rolls hidden under her pillow. And Avon, she had boxes and boxes of Avon hidden away under her bed. She loved her perfume and jewelry. She also loved to be outdoors, to travel, even if it was just getting in the car and going for a ride. She was always ready to go somewhere. In 1998, after 50 years of marriage, Melvin went home to Heavenly Father. Nola continued to care for her family, and relied on the comfort and support of her dear friends to get through her sad times. That same year, Nola treated her family to a trip to Disneyland and welcomed Tabatha into her home. The two developed a special relationship, spending hours talking about clothes, and boys. Before long Nola was traveling again, meeting new people, and having a ball; she liked to keep herself busy. In 2001, Nola re-married. Wayne and Nola lived together in her home in Pima until moving to Wayne's home in Globe a few years later. During that time Nola watched her two oldest granddaughters get married and welcomed two more great-grandchildren into her arms, Heidi and Devin. When Allen and Tabatha adopted Samantha, Matthew, and Christopher, Nola welcomed them into her family as if they were her own. She also opened her arms to McKyla and Kamron when Jlynn and Kody married in 2009. She never missed a birthday card or holiday card for any of her grandchildren or great-grandchildren, and even apologized when her handwriting started to get a little shaky. Nola's brother Bobby moved from California to Globe where the three of them went on many adventures. They spent a lot of time traveling to Williams and fishing at Roosevelt Lake. Nola enjoyed her time with her brother until he moved to Oregon. Nola began to have a decline in health and suffered a stroke. After getting back on her feet, Nola couldn't travel as much, but did get to spend a few weeks in Tucson with Tabatha and her family. After Wayne passed away, Nola moved back to Pima to live with Johnnie and Cheryl. In 2014, Nola and Melvin's oldest son, Ellis, joined Heavenly Father, after a battle with illness. Shortly thereafter, Nola moved into the Haven Health Center where she spent her days playing cards, getting her hair done, gossiping with the other ladies, and the occasional sneak away trip with a friend to the casino. Nola's health continued to decline, even still, she kept going as much as she possibly could. Nola was blessed to attend the weddings of her granddaughter and her grandson, and welcome three more great-grandsons, Tanner, Mason, and Cooper. Nola was also blessed with her first great-great grandson, Jeremiah. Nola became sick on January 15th. After a short stay in the hospital, she returned to the care center. Nola joined her family and Heavenly Father on Friday, January 19th. She is survived by her son, Johnnie, 5 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Nola was a strong, independent woman, with a love for her family and vibrant personality, she will be missed greatly. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 26, 2018, at the Pima LDS Stake Center, with Bishop Newell Knight officiating. Viewing will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Pima Cemetery.