Dec. 3, 1922 – Nov. 30, 2018
Florian Matheson Warby passed away on Nov. 30, 2018, at Cedar City, Utah.. She was born in Parowan, Utah, to Bain and Libby Halterman Matheson on Dec. 3, 1922. She grew up in Parowan surrounded by loving aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors and friends.
When she graduated from Parowan High School she received a scholarship to the Branch Agricultural College (BAC) in Cedar City, Utah, (now Southern Utah University). When she received her associate degree from the BAC she received a scholarship to the University of Utah.
During World War II while attending college she worked at Remington Rand Ammunition Factory, the American Red Cross and the United States Mining Company.
She married Lt. Paul White Warby from Beaver, Utah, on July 27, 1944, in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were later sealed in the St George LDS Temple on Oct. 26, 1944.
During their marriage they lived in Lancaster, California, near the Murock Army Air Corps base; in Logan, Utah, while Paul attended Utah State University; Beaver, Utah, and since 1953 on 1150 West in Cedar City, Utah.
Florian worked for 25 years as a librarian and a teacher for the Iron County School District at Cedar Junior High, East Elementary and many years at North Elementary. She had a great love for her co-workers and her students.
Paul and Florian were blessed with five children: Clint (Joyce) Warby, West Jordan; Ilene (Norman) Johnson, Parowan; Alan (Patty) Warby, Santa Clara; Nolan (Ruth ) Warby, Logan; LaNor (Kathleen) Warby, Cedar City. They have 31 grandchildren, 96 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Her husband Paul and daughter-in-law Lorraine O’Brien Warby preceded her in death.
According to her wishes, a graveside service was held on Dec. 3, 2018, (her 96th birthday) at the Parowan City Cemetery. Florian was buried next to her husband, mother and father, and her four sisters who died in infancy: Aldine, Marnell, Ileen and Nelle Rae.
She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held positions in the MIA and Relief Society organizations as well as Ward librarian.
Her wishes, instead of a viewing and funeral, were that a memorial service would be held at the Matheson family home, 412 West 200 South, Parowan, Utah, on July 27, 2019, her and Paul’s wedding anniversary.
Those wishing to honor her memory will take the time to read with a child or read to someone who is visually impaired.