Nola Hemming Brower

Nola Hemming Brower, age 95, passed away peacefully at her son’s home in Springville, Utah, on September 20, 2024. She was the last living member of her generation on both the Hemming and Brower sides of her family, preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings, and in-laws.

The youngest of four children, Nola was born February 19,1929 in Cache, Teton County, Idaho to Rulon Hemming and Mary Frances (“Frank”) Meikle Hemming. Upon the suggestion of a friend of the Meikle family, she was named after a popular 1915 piano solo by Felix Arndt titled “Nola.”

The Hemming family lived in Rexburg, Idaho until she completed first grade, then moved to Ashton where her father opened Hemming Chevrolet. Here Nola attended the local Ashton schools, graduating from high school in 1947. During her senior year, she began dating Kenneth Brower who had recently served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After a year of college at Idaho State University, she returned home to Ashton where the two married on November 10, 1948, at the home of Nola’s parents. Together they raised their children, Chris and Tracey, on the family farm south of Ashton.

Nola was an example of determination and strong work ethic, a necessity for any farm wife. From helping round up cows to feeding calves in the kitchen, then making sure there was always a home cooked meal on the table. In later years when she was teaching school, she would leave at lunchtime to ensure a meal was ready when Ken came in from the fields. Her life revolved around providing for him, her children, and her grandchildren.

Later in her marriage, Nola returned to Ricks College to receive her provisional certificate to teach elementary school. After teaching in St. Anthony for a few months, she became a full-time teacher at Ashton Elementary, first teaching fourth grade for a short time, then spending the rest of her 27 years of teaching in the sixth grade. Along the way, she returned to Idaho State for two summer sessions, receiving her Bachelor of Education. Her drive for her own education and to provide education for hundreds of Ashton children is a true legacy. Her own small family has earned six bachelor’s and two Master’s Degrees and is preparing the next generation to continue the tradition.

Nola was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having served in several administrative callings and being a devoted visiting teacher. After 36 years of marriage, she and Ken were sealed in the temple on March 10, 1984. She loved attending the temple with her daughter, her beloved sister-in-law Betty, and her friends.

Nola is survived by her son, Chris; daughter and son-in-law Tracey and Larry Larson, grandsons Timothy, Craig (Angie), and Kenneth; her great-grandchildren Lily, Quinley, Brooke, and Jake; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Ashton LDS Third Ward Chapel, 1313 North 3600 East, north of the cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 3, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Baxter Funeral Home and Friday, October 4 from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Pineview Cemetery.