Nola C. Lybbert, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on November 17, 2021. She was born on May 7, 1927, in Nukua’lofa, Tonga, where her parents Jay and Ada Cahoon were serving as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was the second of four daughters and raised in Southern Alberta, Canada. Nola had a natural musical ability and, from the age of twelve, played with a family dance band for church and civic events. She graduated from the University of Alberta in Edmonton with a nursing degree.
Nola and Merlin Rex Lybbert married May 26, 1949, in the Cardston Alberta Temple. They immigrated to the United States and made their home in Salt Lake City. Nola served as a community nurse, in the PTA, as the pianist for a dance studio, in her church, and in her family.
Nola’s optimistic attitude infused everything in her life. She lived by the phrase “Have fun all day!” She had a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and served at her husband’s side around the world. She often bore her testimony through music, transcending words.
Nola was preceded in death by her husband Merlin Rex Lybbert and son Perry Reed Lybbert. She is survived by her five children, Larilyn Dirkmaat, Ruth (Dale Renlund) Merla (Brian Berndt), Louise (Martin Nygaard), Clark (Stacy Poelman Lybbert), as well as fourteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends and neighbors.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 11:00 AM at the Valley View 10th Ward building, 2000 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Services may be viewed on Salt Lake Valley View Stake YouTube channel, 20th East Building. https://www.youtube.com/c/SaltLakeValleyViewStakeBroadcasts
Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah. Family visitation will be on Sunday, November 21, from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, as well as for one hour before the funeral, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Valley View 10th Ward building.
To honor Nola’s charitable life, please donate to Latter-day Saint Charities in lieu of flowers. https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/donations/church/humanitarian-services/humanitarian-aid-fund?cde2=475-home&lang=eng or call 801-240-1000.
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Cindy Lou Poliska
Dear Merla, I want to send my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. It's so bitter sweet and even though our mothers lived long lives, their absence is so hard.
I hope your memories will bring you joy and peace in the coming months.
Love, Marianne Layton Marlor
Please accept our sympathy and condolences on the passing of Sister Lybbert. She was an inspiration when she visited us as we served in Thailand. Her optimism, cheerfulness, and encouragement were uplifting and motivating. Certainly, she had the same effect on everyone she came in contact with as she traveled with Elder Lybbert throughout Southeast Asia. We will never forget her wonderful influence and example, which can only be a very small part of her legacy of love and devoted service. With respect and admiration, Janice & Larry White
I'm grateful to have had Nola in my life. She is an enormous inspiration and a wonderful surrogate grandmother to me. Much love to the family.