Pauline Caroline De Roock VanNoy, 85, Wife of LaDon D. VanNoy of Thayne, Wyoming, passed away
peacefully on March 28, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born on June 12, 1939, on the island of Java, Indonesia. Her early years were marked by remarkable
resilience as she and her family endured the hardships of World War II, including life in a Japanese concentration
camp. Her childhood stories — from escaping a wild boar in the forest to surviving a close encounter with a python —
were nothing short of extraordinary, and she shared them with humor, grace, and gratitude for her many blessings.
After the war, her family relocated to Zeist, Holland, where she embraced a new life and at age 15 was baptized a
member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At just 19, she courageously immigrated to the United
States (alone) to pursue opportunity and adventure, bringing with her a suitcase full of dreams.
She met her husband, LaDon, in California, and together they built a beautiful life. She became a devoted wife and
mother to three children: Lann, Hasana, and JoDal. In her career, she was a Pan Am flight attendant, a VIP hostess
for Western Airlines & Delta Airlines and retired after 33 years. She was also an entrepreneur who opened the first
Montessori school in Tempe, Arizona. In addition, she worked side-by-side with her husband in their construction and
architecture business, all while raising a family and opening her home to youth and international students in need.
Known for her elegance, humor, strong faith, and generous spirit, she touched the lives of countless people—from
dignitaries and celebrities to neighbors and strangers. Her stories could fill volumes, and her love of life was
infectious. She lived by the motto: "Teach your children to love God and one another, to sing, to work hard, and to
pray together often."
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all those she "adopted"
along the way. She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered.
A graveside dedication will be held at the Thayne Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 17 th , 2025 Grave will be
dedicated by her oldest son, Lann Devon VanNoy.