Norma Udy was born March 2, 1917, in the very small northern farming community of Riverside, Utah close to the Idaho border.
Norma lived and attended elementary school in Riverside. When she was 12 years old her father and his brothers inherited a large parcel of farming land which was divided between them. Because Norma's father was born with a clubfoot he was given the portion that had three natural hot springs. This he developed into a recreation area with a covered swimming pool with dressing rooms. Norma and her brother were required to work during the summer. She worked the register selling candy, drinks and swimsuit rentals which she was required to sew on missing buttons. Her father built a home on the property, which was isolated from neighbors for miles. Norma, her brother and sister had to walk half a mile up hill to catch the school bus on the main highway. On very snowy days they had a small pony to ride to the highway and he would return home after the kids were on the bus.
She became a very strong swimmer competing in Bear River High school competitions. She won a number of medals and won the State Speed swimming championship.
Because of her experience with the cash register, Norma was asked to work at a lunch counter across the street from the High School. She was paid with her daily lunch. That was good pay and she was lucky to have a job for someone still in high school.
From the very beginning the Springs became a very popular area for people as far away as southern Idaho, and Logan. This is how Norma became acquainted with her future husband. Rulon Cannon would ride horseback from Fielding (about 5 miles) to the Springs for the summer activities. During the summer they would hold swimming races and beauty contests.
Rulon was 6 years older than Norma so they didn't start dating until after she graduated from school. She lived at the Springs until she was married. They went together for about 2 years before getting married. They had a long life together and each was brought up to be hard workers, which helped sustain them through the war years. For two and a half years Rulon was stationed in the South Pacific.
Norma was married 57 years when she lost Rulon in 1993. They had three children, on e daughter and two sons. Between them they have produced 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Norma suffered a major stroke in December of 2002. Thanks to the help of the University of Utah Rehabilitation Center she was able to recover. She went to Rocky Mountain Care in January of 2003 and continued her recovery to the point that she was enjoying her weekly swim in the downstairs pool. She never felt sorry for herself and was determined to attend all the many activities provided by the facility and her weekly church meetings. She passed away after another stroke in 29 May 2005.