Elnora Lee Onstine

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Elnora Lee Onstine, and her cherished husband, Ralph Onstine. Their unexpected and tragic deaths occurred near Georgetown, Idaho.

Nora Lee, as she was known by friends and family, lived a life full of passion and purpose.

She had an insatiable love for learning. Born and raised in Powell, Wyoming, she was involved in many activities, including cheerleading, water ballet, and playing both the drums and the piano. Later in life, Nora Lee continued learning, starting college at the age of 53 at Northwest College in Powell. There, she earned her associate’s degree and was honored with the Outstanding Student of the Year Award. She continued her studies at Idaho State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology, followed by a double master’s degree in family and educational counseling with honors. Nora Lee then spent many years at Idaho State University, where she found immense joy in mentoring and working with students, helping them grow their love for learning.

Nora Lee also deeply loved her husband, Ralph. They married on March 27, 2003, and together, they shared 21 wonderful years of marriage. Their bond was rooted in faith and service. One of their greatest joys was working together in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They served two missions—one in Martin’s Cove, Wyoming, and another with Deseret Industries in Pocatello, Idaho. They also spent many years as ordinance workers in the Idaho Falls Temple. Through these experiences, they shared their love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and touched many lives.

Nora Lee was a woman of many talents. She loved working with her hands, filling her days with hobbies such as sewing, embroidery, quilting, rock crafting, scrapbooking, weaving, crocheting, gardening, family history, and photography. Photography, in particular, was a passion that bordered on a way of life for her. She viewed the world through her camera lens, capturing the precious moments she cherished most.

Many of those precious moments were while traveling with family and friends. She loved traveling. She visited many countries and states, but she also loved to spend time closer to home, exploring nature. She always had a pocket full of treasures and a memory card full of photos to remember them by.

One of Nora Lee’s greatest gifts was her ability to make friends. She had a radiant spirit and a heart full of charity. Her kindness and willingness to serve were evident in everything she did. She loved to bake, and there was never a trip or a quick stop at your house without a bag of her homemade treats.

Family was at the center of Nora Lee’s world. Nothing brought a twinkle to her eye like talking about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She and Ralph created a beloved family tradition known as “Grandma Santa,” where, every Christmas, she would gather the family, share a story, talk about the Savior, and give homemade gifts and treats. She kept a calendar in her kitchen that tracked every birthday, anniversary, baptism, and event for all of her loved ones, always eager to celebrate them. She was especially excited to welcome her first great-great-grandchild in the near future.

Her unwavering faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ was the foundation of her joy. She loved spending time in the scriptures and at the temple, and she lived each day with purpose, from sunup to sundown. Nora Lee was a shining example of living without fear, and her legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire and uplift us.

Nora Lee is survived by her brother, Donny Steck (Judy) of Australia; and her children: Steve Firth (Kathy) of Big Piney, Wyoming; Missy Herbert (Jim) of Hagerman, Idaho; Doug Firth of Deaver, Wyoming; Ashley Firth (Alan) of McCammon, Idaho; Tanya Firth (Kevin) of Pocatello, Idaho; Marcie Murri (Ric) of Eagle Mountain, Utah; Hayley White (Greg) of Georgetown, Idaho and Ralph's children and their families. She is also survived by 28 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the first responders, doctors, and nurses who cared for Nora Lee and Ralph. The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and the community during this difficult time has been a great comfort. We are truly grateful for all the prayers, thoughts, flowers, meals, and acts of kindness we have received.

A memorial service in Idaho will be held at 2:00pm, Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the McCammon LDS Stake Center, 403 W 16th St. McCammon, ID 83250. 

A funeral service in Wyoming will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, March 15, at the LDS Church on 1026 Avenue "E" Powell, WY 82435. Family will visit with friends an hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Crown Hill Cemetery, 676 Lane 9, Powell, Wyoming 82435.