Marara Ngatihaua Witehira White

Our beloved Mother, Nana, Auntie and friend, Marara Ngatihaua Witehira White, graduated to her heavenly home on December 19th, 2023 at the young age of 79. She was born October 17, 1944 in Mataraua Northland, New Zealand to Ngatihaua and Miriama Witehira. She was married to her sweetheart Byron D. White on June 13, 1969. 

Nana’s time was spent crocheting, painting both canvas and rock, baking delicious bread and preparing her famous trifle. She attended and worked in the temple regularly and would look for any excuse to get dolled up and attend a ward event or grandkids sporting exhibitions. She earned her Degree in Te Reo Māori (2004), at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. She was a Half Iron Woman (Triathlete) spurred on and supported by all her kids, nieces and nephews and Husband is Bend, Oregon.  She was a self-inducted Red Hat Society Elect, and served 3 missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - once as a junior missionary in Adelaide, Australia and twice with her eternal companion in Houston, Texas (2013-2014) and Olongapo, Philippines (2014-2015).

Marara is survived by her 4 children, Moana Sitake (Tevita), Nick White (Rina), Robert White (Behka), and Kiri Brooks (Greg), her 21 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers (William Witehira, Huingarua Witehira), and 2 sisters, Olive Tipene and Nancy Kelleher, and her special angel son, Mickael White.  

Marara is a devout believer in Jesus Christ. Her Family Home Evening (FHE) testimonies and her tears echo with, “I know this gospel and the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real”. She spent her life in the service of her creator and sought always to serve and love all with whom she came in contact. Most can likely remember her ear to ear smile and the way her shoulders hugged her ears when she was excited by family gatherings or a sweet treat. 

Funeral services are to be held December 26th, 2023 at the Spring Creek Stake Center at 12:00 noon (760 North 400 East, Springville, Utah). A Family viewing will precede the Funeral service. A celebration of life will follow. Burial will be in Mataraua Northland, New Zealand at the TeHueHue family Marae.

Arohanui, Nana. ‘Till we meet again! We love you!

Condolences for the family may be left on this page.

For those unable to attend the services in person, you may view them via YouTube Live beginning, Tuesday, December 26th at 12:00 pm at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY4Ti8kBW_A