Early on the morning of Thursday, December 8, 2016 Annette Moody Tippetts left the last of our loving hugs and passed into the arms of God and family members awaiting her arrival on the other side. Annette was born December 23, 1944 in Delta, Utah to Juel Thurmon Moody and Eva Dean Pace Moody.
An amazing wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend, Annette excelled at whatever she did. As the eldest child in a farming family, and with great parents as teachers, she learned early the value of hard work and the importance of faith and family. Annette was a great example to the nine brothers and sisters who followed her. Music was a mainstay in the Moody home and here, also, Annette excelled. Understandable, since she had trained in angelic choirs before her arrival. After graduation from Delta High School, she attended BYU and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Annette married Kay Christensen on July 23, 1965, later divorced. Married Paul D. Tippetts on August 7, 1986.
Annette was always well-informed and had a sharp mind. She delighted in travel and made a career of it.
Blessed with the infectious laugh and quick wit of her father and the pure love and grace of her mother, Annette was loved by anyone who spent time with her. She would expertly do anything for anyone and took great delight in working behind the scenes - with no fanfare - to help fellow travelers in this life find adventure and beauty on the journey. Her home was the epicenter of activity and lodging for the great big diverse family she loved so much. You were always welcomed into her home…and she and Paul would likely make you a full breakfast.
She was the anchor of her own news network, efficiently sharing the stories, trials, victories and events of interest to that same beloved family. One serious concern overheard during her brief hospital stay: “Who is going to let everyone know?” Her prolific likes and comments on grandkids social media posts endeared “graneeane” to their generation as well. Even those who lived far away could feel her love, concern and interest in their lives.
To her own six beautiful children, Annette was blessed to add another six of equal beauty; and she spent 30 years working with her sweetheart, Paul, to ensure that all twelve - and their spouses - felt welcome, loved and appreciated. Annette lived her life in service of others. A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served lovingly and faithfully wherever she was called. She especially relished her work serving students in her BYU ward assignment. Annette truly was a high yield, low maintenance disciple of her Savior.
Dearest Annette, your sudden departure leaves a significant hole in the lives of the many you served and loved. We will try to honor your life and example by filling that void with service of our own to Light the World until we are reunited. We love you and have difficulty right now picturing life without you.
Annette was preceded in death by her father: Juel Thurmon Moody; and daughter: Heather Christensen. Survived by her beloved husband and best friend: Paul D. Tippetts of Spanish Fork; mother: Eva Dean Moody; children: Kara (Richard) Higginson, Jana (Eric) Hogenson, David (Jamie) Christensen, Natalie (Dan) Hooge, and Lara Christensen; stepchildren: Monica (Daryl) Hillyer, Travis (Sandy) Tippetts, Tamara (Kurt) Pulham, Tonia (David) Webb, Rose (Kenney) Davis, and Paula (Brayden) Richmond; siblings: Laura M Thomas Carver, J Grant (Adrianne) Moody, Dean (Patrice) Moody, Spencer (Jana) Moody, Marie (Ron) Wright, Evelyn (Jim) Warnick, David (Teresa) Moody, Margaret (Vaughn) Peterson and Jamison (Lorena) Moody; friend and father of her children: Kay Christensen; 45 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and almost countless nieces, nephews and friends of all of the above who she would consider family.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 13, at 11:00 AM, at the Canyon View LDS Stake Center Chapel, 989 S 2550 East, Spanish Fork. Viewings will be held at the Spanish Fork Canyon View LDS Stake Center on Monday, 6-8 PM; and Tuesday, 9:30-10:40 AM, prior to the service. Burial will follow at 3:00 PM, at the Delta City Cemetery.
Special thanks to the angels at Utah Valley Regional Hospital who found a large room and lost the visiting hours rules so we could spend those precious hours together with our beautiful Annette.