Nona Budge Whipple

Nona was born on February 6, 1935, in Jackson, Wyoming, to Archie and June Bruce Budge. She was soon joined by two sisters, Helen and Anita, whom she loved very much. Nona spent her young childhood in Wyoming where her father worked as a coal miner. Her father was drafted in WWII and her family moved to San Francisco. After the war, they moved back to Wyoming where her father worked on her grandfather’s ranch. Eventually, they moved to Ogden, Utah where she was very popular in school, and was elected as the 9th grade class president. Unfortunately her family moved to Logan the summer before her 9th grade year. In Logan, she attended Logan High School and started working as a waitress when she was only 15. Nona was a hard worker throughout her life.

After graduating from Logan High, Nona married Jerry Henderson, and they had a son named Lee. They were divorced shortly after Lee was born, and about a year later, she met her eternal companion, Ron Whipple, who was attending Utah State University. Ron adopted Lee on May 31, 1955, and Nona and Ron were married on June 2, 1955. About a year and a half after they were married, Nona and Ron had a daughter, named Lorraine. After Ron graduated from Utah State, Ron, Nona, Lee and Lorraine moved to Kent, Washington, and then to Carson City, Nevada, where Nona and Ron had another son, named Robert. Eventually Nona and Ron settled in Las Vegas, where their youngest daughter, Annette, was born.

Nona always wanted to be a teacher, so when she was 36 years old, she decided to go to College and enrolled at UNLV. She graduated 4 years later as a Phi Beta Kappa, signifying her outstanding academic achievement. In addition to her undergraduate degree, she eventually earned two Masters Degrees, earning straight A’s in all of her classes. Nona started teaching 5th Grade in the Clark County School District when she was 40, and she taught for over 20 years. She eventually became a principal, and loved it so much that she said she never wanted to retire. But due to health reasons, she retired when she was in her mid 70’s. Nona’s greatest joys in life were her husband, her family, her friends, and being a teacher.

Nona had a great capacity to love others deeply without reserve. She served others throughout her whole life and was a great example of compassion and charity. Nona truly embodied Christlike love for everyone. She met people where they were, and accepted them for exactly who they are. Many were drawn to her because of her genuine kindness. Her grandchildren adore her and each believe that they are her favorite.

Nona was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in many different capacities. Nona truly magnified each calling she held throughout her entire life. In June of 1964, Nona and Ron, and their 4 children were sealed together for time and all eternity in the St. George Temple.

Nona was preceded in death by her parents Archie and June Budge, Nona’s younger sister, Anita Brown, and Nona’s husband, Ron Whipple. She is survived by her sister, Helen Rogers of Arizona City, Arizona; her children, Lee (Pat) Whipple of Las Vegas, Nevada; Lori Kelly of Las Vegas, Nevada; Robert (Stephany) Whipple of Las Vegas, Nevada; Annette (Michael) Thaler of Denver, Colorado; 11 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Nona will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 9:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3200 N Mustang St, Las Vegas, Nevada 89108. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM, 3200 N Mustang St, Las Vegas, Nevada 89108. A graveside service will occur Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Logandale Cemetery, 3201-3399 North Lyman St., Logandale, Nevada 89021.