Norene Mikkola

Ellen Norene Mikkola, 89, of Idaho Falls, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026, at her home. She was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho.

Norene was born on November 9, 1936, to Joseph LaVell Orr and Agnes Christina Grover Orr in Archer, Idaho. She was the oldest daughter of twelve children. She grew up in Archer and graduated from Madison High School in 1955. She attended Excelsis Beauty College in Idaho Falls.

On June 19, 1958, she married Arthur Oswald “Mike” Mikkola in Rexburg, Idaho. The marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on May 4, 1965. This union lasted 48 years until Mike’s passing on September 25, 2006. Norene and Mike lived in Bruneau, Nampa, Ririe, Archer, Iona, Ammon, and finally settled in Coltman, never leaving Idaho, where they have lived since 1963.

Norene was a hairdresser for over 65 years, and she ran a beauty parlor in her home for almost 50 years. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings in the Young Women’s and Relief Society, including compassionate service.

She was devoted to her family and kept track of everyone’s birthday. She enjoyed crocheting and playing Mahjong on her computer. She was the matriarch, or as the family liked to say, she was the “mother hen”.

Norene is survived by her son, Mark Mikkola of Idaho Falls; her daughters: Liisa (Charles) Mills of Idaho Falls and Susan (Steve) Delforno of Massachusetts; 10 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, 2 brothers, and 3 sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Coltman Church, 12448 N. 5th E., Idaho Falls. A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Archer-Sutton Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.