A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mrs. Una Little Noble, whose late husband Mr. Cecil Noble was a long-serving Fermanagh District Councillor and held the MBE, passed away on November 13, 2014. Her peaceful death in South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen, following a short period of illness, occurred just a few days short of her 86th birthday.

A dedicated farmer’s wife for many years, Una, late of Lisboy, Fivemiletown, enjoyed leading an active life despite suffering from Parkinson’s Disease for around 10 years.

Formerly Una Kerr, she was born in St. Helen’s in Liverpool on November 19, 1928. In 1936, Una, one in a family of five (two surviving) came with her parents Florence and Arthur Kerr to live at Tattenaheglish, outside Fivemiletown.

In her younger years she worked in a draper’s shop in Fintona, Co. Tyrone, followed by a position in a draper’s shop in Omagh. She met and married Cecil Noble, a long-time farmer (who died six years ago in January) and they made their home at his home farm at Lisboy House, Fivemiletown, where they raised a family of seven: Brian, Dennis, Colin, Ian, twins Desmond and Nigel, and a daughter, Lorraine (Mrs. Wilson).

Una’s focus was on her home and family and she helped out greatly on the family farm. A dairy farmer, Cecil concentrated on the milking and farming the land, while Una played her part rearing various livestock including pigs, hens, turkeys and looking after newborn calves. Everything centred around the farmhouse and the farm for Una and Cecil, who both enjoyed farming into their senior years. A very kind and hospitable figure, Una was also a talented home-baker and was well known for her scones, breads and tarts.

In Una’s last few years she required care in the home which was provided by carers and her daughter, which was of great comfort to her family. Una in her earlier years provided the same care voluntarily to elderly neighbours who needed it walking to their homes nearby. This caring nature continued over the years as she often visited elderly family and neighbours in hospital and care homes.

A major family event for the Nobles was when Cecil received his MBE from Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2005 (for services to local Government and to education in Northern Ireland). He was accompanied in London by Una, Desmond and Lorraine. It was a major occasion for the family as Una was a great support to Cecil in all his council work covering over 52 years.

Outside her home, Una enjoyed membership of Fivemiletown branch of the Women’s Institute and the Methodist Women’s Association. She was actively involved in various groups within Fivemiletown Methodist Circuit, incorporating Creagh Methodist Church which she attended every week until her failing health did not allow her, and shared in Bible Study and prayer meetings. Her faith was very important to her.

Una’s funeral service, held at Clabby Church of Ireland, was conducted by Pastor Sam Campbell, assisted by the Rev. Eleanor Hayden. Burial was at Clabby Parish Churchyard. Una is survived by her sons and daughter, daughters-in-law, and son-in-law. She leaves 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, her brother Oswald, her sister Ida and the wider family circle The funeral arrangements were by Funeral Directors, S.R. Elliott and Sons, Darling Street, Enniskillen. Donations in lieu if desired to Parkinson’s Support (Fermanagh Branch) and Creagh Methodist Church, c/o S.R Elliott.