Vivian Tebbs Nicholls Robertson

10/17/1920 – 2/1/2012

Vivian Tebbs Nicholls Robertson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away at the age of 91 on February 1, 2012 in her home in Salt Lake City after a long and full life. Born October 17, 1920, in Cowley, Wyoming to Sidney James Tebbs and Mary Alice Meeks, she grew up in Cowley and lived there much of her life. Vivian married her first husband Lyle Aaron Nicholls on December 5, 1938, in Cowley.  They had four children: Robert, Arthur, Duane, and Naoma.  Vivian was preceded in death by her husband Lyle in 1982.  Nearly four years later, Vivian’s brother Cal introduced her to the man with whom she would spend the next 23 years.  She wed Heber “Rob” Robertson on September 12, 1986, in the Logan Temple.  With that marriage, she gained nine more children and many more grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Vivian and Rob dedicated much of their time and energy to genealogy and temple work, for which they both had a great passion.  Together they served as missionaries at the Church Office Building in downtown Salt Lake in the human research department as assistants to the director.  For six and a half years they helped issue mission calls and releases worldwide.  Vivian also served in the Jordan River Temple for seven and a half years as executive secretary to four temple presidents, as well as personnel coordinator to two temple presidents.  In addition to her service in these capacities, Vivian was also an expert seamstress.  She was able to recreate the patterns of high-end designs she liked and sewed dresses for her granddaughters that looked better than the ones in the store.  Together with Rob, she also made dozens of beautifully crafted quilts as gifts for their friends and loved ones.  She delighted in giving handmade gifts as well as gifts of her time and attention to others.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husbands Lyle and Rob, son Arthur, two step-children Timothy and Julie Robertson, her granddaughter MaryAlice Walker, sisters Hazel Welch and Helen Bischoff, and brothers Jesse, Cal, and James Tebbs.  She is survived by her children and their spouses: Robert and Ann Nicholls, Duane and Sharron Nicholls, and Naoma Nicholls; children and spouses from her second marriage: Becky and Darryn Price, Scott and Dorothy Robertson, Jody and Jay Keys, Jon and Shauna Robertson, Robanne and Drew Gordon, Marilisa and Scott Wynn, Clinton and Patricia Robertson; and a combined 46 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, February 4, 2012, 2:00 p.m., at the Greenfield Chapel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6634 S. Greenfield Way (1920 East), Salt Lake City. Friends and family may call the day of the service from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the Greenfield Chapel. Interment will be in Cowley, Wyoming on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at 10:00 a.m.  Online condolences may be made at www.cannonmortuary.com.