Norise R. "Sam" Whipple

Norise R. "Sam" Whipple went home, to be with the Lord, on Friday, February 27, 2015, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. Sam was born on a Wednesday, November 20,1940, in Show Low, Arizona. He was 74 years old. Sam grew up on his family's ranch in Show Low. He attended Snowflake High School where he played varsity football. He spent his entire life in the White Mountains. Sam worked for Shamrock Foods as a sales representative for many years where he took joy in taking care of his customers and made many friends. Three days after his retirement from Shamrock Foods, Sam went to work for the Navajo County Road Department in Holbrook, where he remained until his death. Sam was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. He enjoyed roping with his son as well as other friends. He loved being in the great out-of-doors whether it be hunting, fishing, camping or, even taking Sunday drives with his sweetheart in the forest. He always enjoyed spending time with his family. Sam's love for his family was great and they all will miss his warm and gentle smile. Sam is survived by his wife of 36 years, Belle Whipple, his children: Melody & Tom Judd, Lucinda & Thomas Thomas, Kayren & James Stevenson, Raynae & Ken Roberts, Randall & Glenda Whipple, Norissa Lopez, Nancy & Dennis Smith; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters: Marva Hufford, Patsy Tedder; 2 brothers: Fred & Erva Whipple and Pete & Chris Whipple. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sibyl Allen and 4 brothers: Eugene Whipple, Wendell Whipple, Boyce Whipple and Brian Whipple. The public visitation for Sam will be from 6:30 P.M to 8:30 P.M. , Friday, March 6, 2015, at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona. The funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M., Saturday, March 7, 2015 at the Show Low Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1401 W. Deuce of Clubs in Show Low. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Show Low Cemetery. Memorial contributions in the name of Sam Whipple to: Miss Rodeo Arizona, Inc. (a non-profit organization), 11632 N. Sparrow Lane, Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268 have been suggested by his family.