Florence Mae (Jackson) Tuttle

Florence Mae (Jackson) Tuttle was born on Saturday, April 16^th, 1921 in Ogden, Utah to goodly parents - Preston Walter Jackson and Nora Grace Taylor. Florence was the middle of seven children, having 3 older brothers, Walter, Wendell and Frank, 2 younger brothers, Harold & Louis, and one younger sister, Gloria. Florence enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Ogden filled with many joyful memories. She often said that she grew up poor but always felt happy and rich. At age 13, due to hardships of the Great Depression, her family moved to California where her father began work for the National Forest Service. 

While living in Oakland California, Florence met and married Calvin Gail Cragun. They married in 1942 and had four children, Lamont, Colleen, Byron and Roberta. Calvin & Florence divorced in 1956, and in 1960 Florence met and married Hervey (Herb) Calvin Harris. They had one child together, Morrell. Florence, Herb, and the 5 children lived in Oakland, Mountain View, and then Red Bluff, California for 23 years. Due to a horse accident, Herb was disabled, and Florence became the ‘bread winner’ for the family. She worked at Diamond International Paper Company on the printing & packaging line for 21 years until her retirement in 1983, when she and Herb left California to build a home in Bennion, Utah.

After Herb passed away in 1988, Florence met Melvin Frank Palmer at an LDS singles dance. Mel treated Florence like a queen, and they were married in 1990, until Mel’s passing in 1993. Raymond Tuttle, a widower and old friend of Florence’s from California, looked up Florence while he was visiting Utah. He and Florence courted and were married in 1993. They were inseparable sweethearts, traveling, laughing, and enjoying time with their families until Ray’s passing in 2015. Florence was truly, ‘too much woman for one man’.

Florence lived independently as a widow in her Bennion home, with the help of her children and dear neighbors until she became ill in 2021. She was then lovingly cared for in her home by her family, briefly in a care center, and then in the home of her son Lamont and daughter-in-law Cleta, until passing peacefully in her sleep, just shy of her 103^rd birthday. Florence never reported any aches or pains, even until the end. Her only complaint was her longing to ‘graduate’ and reunite with her beloved parents, siblings, and spouses in heaven, but willingly and patiently endured to the literal end. 

Florence had a quick and witty sense of humor and was known for her candor and grace. She was a rare beauty, elegant and hospitable. Florence was a natural artist, working in many media but especially loved painting China plates. She was a gifted artificial floral artist and cake decorator, creating many beautiful wedding cakes for friends and family. She also loved to sew, embroider, and quilt. 

Florence lived a full, healthy life, and always cherished her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, faithfully serving in Relief Society, Mutual, and Primary callings. She had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and His wonderful plan of happiness. 

A special heartfelt gratitude is given to the members of the Bennion Ward, who watched over and served Florence during her years as a widow, as well as the Visiting Angels caregivers who lovingly cared for Florence up until her last moments on earth.

Florence is survived by her children & spouses, Lamont Gail & (Cleta Johnson) Cragun, Colleen Renèe Cragun & (Morgan Harris), Byron Glenn & (Jacinta) Cragun, Roberta Lynn Cragun, Morrell Lafe & (Carrie Banta) Harris, 17 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great-grandchildren, and MANY others who consider her their mother and grandmother.