Nora May Boice

Nora May Adair Boice was born in St. George, Utah, 4-14-30, but she never lived there. Most of her childhood years were spent in Kirtland, New Mexico, a small town in the Four Corners area. It was there she met and married her High School sweetheart, Ronald Boice. They married in the Mesa LDS Temple in 1949. They had two children in the next four years. A son, Kennard Eric and a daughter, Roxanne.

Nora and Ronald got into the fast-food business in the early 1950's. They opened A&W Root Beer restaurants in Artesia, NM and then later in Farmington, NM. Farmington would be the town they settled down in and grew their businesses. They eventually opened a 2nd A&W, as well as their first Kentucky Fried Chicken store. Both stores were quite successful, as they would work long hours and served great food. For the next forty years, they ended up owning and operating KFC stores in NM, CO, and AZ. Because of the distance between the stores, Ronald got his private pilot's license so he could be at any of the restaurants within 90 minutes.

Nora and Ronald were both avid collectors. Nora collected dolls, teddy bears, green glass bottles and Navajo rugs and artifacts. Ronald collected mostly antique and classic cars, motorcycles and airplanes. They had the opportunity to travel all through their married life. They traveled by car, plane, motorcycle (with Nora on the back), and RV. They visited nearly all 50 states and many countries.

Nora had a beautiful garden that produced strawberries, raspberries, onions, peppers and tomatoes. There was a time when she made quilts for beds and babies. She also was a talented artist and enjoyed painting landscapes and still-life.

Upon retirement 25 years ago, Nora and Ronald moved to Stellar Airpark in Chandler, AZ. Sadly, Ronald, her husband of 71 years, died in January 2021. Her son, Kennard, also preceded her in death in November 2020. She died March 10, 2024 from pneumonia. She is survived by her daughter, Roxanne Link, 3 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

A private burial was held at the Kirtland Cemetary on March 25, 2024.