Memorial Gallery: September – Times-News

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Here, we remember south-central Idahoans who died. The photos were provided by families to accompany their obituaries in the Times-News.
CASTLEFORD — Virginia Wheeler, 83, of Castleford, passed away Thursday, September 28, 2017 at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Virginia was born in Twin Falls on December 6, 1933, to Craig and Olive Casebeer. She attended school in Berger, Fairview and Buhl, graduating from Buhl High School in 1951. She attended Twin Falls Business College and worked for JJ Newberry’s and Barnard’s Auto in Twin Falls.
She married Jim Wheeler on June 22, 1952. She and Jim farmed together in Castleford for over 30 years, retiring in 1983. They wintered in Florence, Az., until January 2017 when ill health forced their return to Idaho.
Virginia’s entire life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to read to them and listen to them read. She was often found up to her elbows in paint or another craft, sewing or cooking project with one of her grandchildren. She referred to her first great-granddaughter, Kynzi, as “Sugar Pie” and Kynzi started calling her “The Sugar Pie Grandma.” This evolved into friends and family calling Virginia “Sugar Pie.” Sugar Pie was known for being a sweet and kind soul. Even when her health declined, she crocheted and donated thousands of hats for local children in Idaho and Arizona.
She is survived by her husband Jim Wheeler of Castleford; daughters, Janet (Terry) Haley of Wendover, Nv. and Nancy (Lee) Glaesemann of Twin Falls; four granddaughters, Jamie (Dallas) Williamson of Jerome, Carly (Travis) Hill of Boise, Nicole (Brett) Hudson of Jerome and Holly Haley of Wendover, Nv.; six great-grandchildren, Kynzi Williamson of Boise, Zeke and Gavin Williamson, Olivia and Jaxon Bezdicek and Hayden Hudson all of Jerome.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Merle (Bill) Curtis, Leila (Del) Smith and Golda (Jim) Wray.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church (400 9th Ave. N. In Buhl).
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at the Buhl First Baptist Church. Interment will follow the services at Buhl’s West End Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Farmer Funeral Chapel in Buhl.
HEYBURN — Rema finished her day’s work Sept. 28, 2017, at age 96, and can go on to finish her life’s work.
She was born March 1, 1921, in Ogden, Utah, to Carson Gilbert and Nellie Louisa Florence Kidd. She was in the Primary Children’s Hospital for 18 months when she was 4. The family lived in Acequia, then in Declo during the Depression. She married Delbert Samuel Oliver in 1939. They worked on the Oliver farm and rented a farm in View, Idaho. Their first child, Gary, was born Jan. 1, 1940. It was war time and Delbert got work in the shipyards near Vallejo, Calif. Daryl Sam was born Feb. 1, 1942, in Sonoma, Calif. They moved back to Idaho to farm again where the twin girls, Carol and Cheryl, were born May 8, 1947, in Twin Falls, Idaho.
A good bean crop enabled them to buy a ranch in Florence, Mont. Delbert became ill and they were forced to sell the ranch and move back to Idaho. He passed away Nov. 6, 1952, at age 37. Rema, now a widow at age 31, bought a corner grocery store on Overland Avenue in Burley with the money from the ranch. The store had a house attached which gave her a home and a business.
In September 1955, she married William Doran Combs. Her family grew with the addition of two stepchildren, Bill and Jerry. Doran built Combs Sheet Metal on the store property. In 1963, she leased out the store and they bought a house near the river in Heyburn. She lovingly tended the house in Heyburn for the next 50 years. She spent the last five years at Highland Estates Assisted Living.
She loved to cook, crochet, paint, and square dance. She traveled with Doran all over the country and made a special trip with her mother to England to meet with distant cousins. Another special trip was to Hawaii with her sisters. She loved her family.
Rema is survived by three children, Sam Oliver, Carol Lowder, and Cheryl (John) Collins; step-sons, Bill (Kay) Combs and Jerry Combs; siblings, Jay (Dorothy) Kidd, Joan (Fred) Hawker, and Gwen (Eldon) Searle; 14 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Gary; husbands, Delbert and Doran; son-in-law, Dean Lowder; daughter-in-law, Donna Oliver; step-daughter-in-law, Maxine Combs; and sisters, Lydia Woodbury, Annah Kidd, Ruth Matthews, June McLean, Nila Schrenk, Merla (Fries) Stone, and Bonnie Richins.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where friends and family may call from 1 until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.
HAGERMAN — Velda June Lawrence, 82, passed away peacefully in her home in Hagerman, Idaho surrounded by her loving family on September 25, 2017. Mom’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, she was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure. Velda was born to Rufus and Florence Hall on August 28, 1935 in Saint Anthony, ID. Velda graduated salutatorian from Oakley High School class of 1953 and then graduated from Twin Falls Business College in 1955. While attending Business College, she was dragging Main Street and met the love of her life, Dave Lawrence. They were married on April 8, 1956 in Twin Falls, Idaho and remained happily married for 52 years. They had three children: Cherie, Jerry and Cade. In 1968, she went to work for Idaho First National Bank and then joined the Forest Service for 9 years as an information specialist. In 1981, Dave and Velda purchased and operated La Casita Mexican Restaurant in Twin Falls until 1989 when she retired. Over the years, Dave and Velda spent countless hours fishing, camping, canoeing, and skiing with their children and grandchildren. Velda was a ski instructor at Soldier Mountain for over 10 years. Some of her fondest memories were of the times spent at Soldier Mountain with family and friends. In 1995, Dave and Velda followed their dream to retire and live in the Hagerman Valley on the river. Mom felt that you are a little closer to heaven when you live by the water. During this time, they made many new friends with Dinner Club, Bridge Club, and Social events. After Dave’s passing in 2008 Velda stayed involved in various activities including Mentor Club, Garden Club, Aerobics and Bridge Club. She will be greatly missed by her children, family, and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Cherie (Scott) Grybek of Tampa FL, her son, Jerry (Robyn) Lawrence of Kimberly ID, her son, Cade (Julie) Lawrence of Portland OR, her sister, Gale Shark of Las Vegas NV, her brother-in-law, Terry (Mary) Lawrence of Twin Falls ID, her seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Dave Lawrence, her parents Rufus and Florence Hall and her in-laws Jack and Mary Lawrence. The Family would like to extend they’re thanks to Dr. Lisa Burgett, Dr. Jared Manning, and Vision’s Hospice. A memorial service will be held at Rosenau funeral home in Twin Falls at 1:30 PM on October 14, 2017. In lieu of flowers the family requests that remembrances be sent to the Hagerman library PO. Box 330, Hagerman ID. 83332 or the Hagerman senior center -PO. Box 509, Hagerman, ID. 83332. To leave a condolence or read more about Velda’s life please visit www.rosenaufuneralhome.com.
BUHL — Keegan Thomas Felton, the young man with the never-give-up attitude, has passed from this earth. He was born May 7, 1994, in Twin Falls, Idaho, and died suddenly on Monday, September 25, 2017, while jogging on the indoor track at the University of Idaho Fitness Center.
Keegan entered the world under difficult circumstances. He and his mother, Brenda, had to fight for their lives following a complicated birth. Keegan was a determined soul from his first breath to his last. He faced life with an unequaled ability to overcome any obstacle placed in his path. His kind and gentle spirit has been an inspiration to his family and those who knew him best.
Keegan spent his childhood years in Buhl. He loved doing things with his family. He was always ready to participate in family boating, water skiing, four- wheeling, skiing at Sun Valley, entertaining friends, or helping cook and serve for the Vandal Pig Out. His school years were spent at Popplewell Elementary, Buhl Middle School, and Buhl High School. It was in high school that found his passion in life . . . . . . . ACTING. The Buhl Drama teacher, Mr. B (David Blaszkiewicz), became his teacher, mentor, and friend. It was through his involvement with other like-minded students and under the caring guidance of Mr. B that Keegan was able to enjoy countless hours of rehearsals, set building, and performances in theatre productions. He often memorized not only his part in a play, but also all the other cast members’ parts! The Thespians and other students interested in acting became the center of his teenage world. He was selected during his Junior year as the recipient of the Triple A award for Activities. It was an honor that Keegan cherished.
After high school graduation, Keegan applied to the University of Idaho and was selected for the Ravens Program (for students on the autism spectrum). He flourished in the new learning environment. He was proud to be taking traditional credited classes along with participating in all aspects of college life. A presentation he made to the Seagraves Charitable Foundation resulted in a gift of $100,000 to help fund the Ravens Program. This year he was chosen to begin training to be a mentor to other students in that program.
His highest aspiration was to become a famous actor. In Moscow, he was chosen for the lead role in a student written and directed movie, “The Wounded.” The movie won first place in the Keno Film Festival.
Whether Keegan was living on campus or off, he always answered the phone, “Vandal Headquarters!” He was a loyal Vandal supporter and attended most athletic events. Tailgating and sitting in the Ad Club Box were two of his favorite activities. He was very relieved when the Vandals recently won their 6-plus hour game against Southern Alabama and was looking forward to Homecoming. His Facebook page reflected a young man who made an effort to stay connected with those he loved. He initiated conversations and could tell any listener the history and statistics of almost any motion picture (past and present). All of this was done with energy and enthusiasm. His response to anyone asking how he was doing was always, “I’M GOOD!” And, he would close the conversation with “GO VANDALS!” At the end of his life, he was happy with where he was, what he was doing, and the people surrounding him. He loved his family, his actor friends, his pets, and the University of Idaho. He will be buried on a hilltop that overlooks his beloved Vandal Nation.
Keegan is survived by his mother and father, Mike and Brenda Felton (Twin Falls); his brother, Cooper (Moscow), his grandparents, Mike and Judy Felton (Buhl) and Norm and Flora Walker (Boise); his Aunts and Uncles, Jeff Walker (Danielle) of Boise, Heather Medland (Kurt) (Herndon, Virginia), Donna Albaitero (Juan) (Woodland, Wa.), and cousins Andrew, Emma, Morgan, Amanda and Mateo.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Buhl High School Drama Department or Camp Rainbow Gold. A private family burial was held in Moscow.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 7, 2017 at the 7th Street Gymnasium in Buhl. Arrangements are under the direction of Farmer Funeral Chapel in Buhl.
Russell James “Russ” Wilcock passed away on Monday the 18th, 2017 at 5:45PM surrounded by his wife LaRae Wilcock, daughter Pam Wilson, son Russ Wilcock, grandson Abe Thietten, and Rob Thietten. Russell J. Wilcock was born on November 20th, 1924 in Pomona California and was the son of Gerald Blain Wilcock and Alma Joan Lewis. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother Gerald Wilcock and he is survived by his wife, daughter, son, grandson, sister Alyeen Davidson and Peggy Wheeler.
Those of us that were with him prior to his passing feel so fortunate we had the opportunity to tell him how much we love him. Russ was a loving husband and father and was a friend to many people. He could effortlessly start a conversation with a total stranger, introduce himself and all his family, and by the end of the conversation the stranger was a friend and felt as though they had known Russ their entire life.
Russ was a mechanic by trade, but taught himself to how to do so many things. He would often use his knowledge and many skills to help others such as repairing cars, things around the house, sprinkler systems, and much more. He enjoyed fishing, growing a few vegetables, working on cars, going to car races, and tinkering with random pieces of stuff most would consider junk to repurpose it into something useful.
Russ loved and was very proud of his family. We love him and are proud of him too and will miss him very, very much!
Services will be at 1PM on October 6th at the Idaho State Veteran’s Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise, ID 83714.
Services will begin by rendering military funeral honors (approx. 5-10 min). Committal services are limited to 20 minutes, so after honors are rendered we will leave the remaining time open for comments but they will need to be kept short.
Volunteers will be available on the day of the service to greet guests as you enter the gates to the Veterans Cemetery and during the service if you have questions.
After the service at the Veteran’s Cemetery we will have an informal celebration of life potluck at Pam and Richard Wilson’s house on 728 E Kaibab Trail Dr., Meridian, ID 83646.
If you wish to send cards, etc. please send them to LaRae Wilcock, 1421 Darrah Dr., Meridian, ID 83646.
Isabel (Blue) Brown died peacefully at home in Hampton, VA. Born in Minot, ND, she attended six different grade schools before her family settled in Seattle, WA. A true renaissance person; with her two Bachelor’s degrees, she worked on three continents as a community health nurse, nursing school instructor, surgical practice manager, hospital nursing education coordinator, bush pilot, and president of her local nursing and art associations. Blue loved traveling. As an adult, she lived in the US, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Cameroun, and Papua New Guinea. A published artist, her paintings are treasured by friends and family. She is survived by her spouse, Leo Brown, siblings, Mary Louise Kaufer and R. George Schmidt; her children, Rebecca and Joel; their spouses; five grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. She leaves a legacy of “love, joy, and adventure”.
Arrangements are under direction of R Hayden Smith Funeral home, 245 S Armistead Ave, Hampton VA 236669 Phone # 757-723-3191
TWIN FALLS — Thelma Swartz, age 85, of Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at Bridgeview Estates in Twin Falls.
Thelma was born in Filer, Idaho, in August 1932 to Henry and Ethel Huddleston. She went to school in Filer, Idaho and later graduated high school at CSI in Twin Falls, Idaho. Thelma married Lowell G. Tracy, in 1953 they had their daughter Pamela. Together they enjoyed many years together.
Later she married George Swartz in Twin Falls, Idaho in 1968 and were together until his death in 2007. Throughout the years they enjoyed many adventures. Thelma enjoyed sewing, fishing, dancing, and time spent with family and friends. Thelma worked many jobs later retiring from SavMore Drug where Dave treated her like family. Thelma was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many and will be missed by all.
She is survived by one brother George Huddleston and daughter Pamela(Brent) Thomas, four grandchildren, Krista Bell, Sammy Stephens, Tracy Thomas, Robert Thomas and many great, great great grandchildren. Preceded in death husband George Swartz, parents, Henry and Ethel Huddleston, five siblings, Jay Huddleston, Gordon Huddleston, Bud Huddleston, Patrica Rippee, Lola Burgoyne, great-granddaughter Alexis Mogensen. You will be missed mom and I love you!
Funeral service will be held October 4, 2017 at 4:00 pm at Parks Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho. A family gathering after services will be held at Norms Catering Room on Main Street, Twin Falls, Idaho.
BURLEY — On Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, our beloved mother, grandmother and sister went peacefully to our Heavenly Father and her eternal companion, Archer L Mills. She died peacefully at the home she lived in with her daughter and son-in-law, Trudy and Kelly Davis, in Gilbert, Ariz. She lived most of her 94 years of life in Burley, Idaho.
Effie Lyn Holt was born in Oakley, Idaho, April 11, 1923, to Ivan Willey and Ruth Parry Holt. She was the third of eight children; namely, Wilson, Roberta, Edna, Nancy, Ruth, Ivan, and Jane. She grew up and attended school in Oakley. She went to college and graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. While at BYU, she enjoyed playing on the women’s basketball team. Effie married Archer L Mills, her sweetheart of 64 years, on Oct. 7, 1942, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He preceded her in death on Nov. 1, 2006.
Effie was married just 17 days before Archer joined the United States Navy. During Archer’s service she worked as a secretary. After returning from the service, they moved to Burley. Besides being a dedicated mother and homemaker, she worked on the farm and later worked in the Cassia Probate and Magistrate Courts until her retirement.
They were blessed with five children: four sons, Douglas Archer, Gordon Holt, Wayne Scott, and Lynn Allen; and one daughter, Trudy. She believed and taught her children and grandchildren to know that families are forever. Her sweet disposition and appreciation for life always brought joy and happiness. She loved and was deeply loved by her children, grandchildren, and friends.
She married Issac Lee in 2009. They enjoyed five years of love and companionship until his death in December 2013.
Effie was a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully as president of the ward Relief Society and counselor in the stake Relief Society. Arch and Effie’s posterity produced 22 missionaries. Together, they served three full-time missions: California Oakland International in 1987; California Arcadia in 1989; and the Boise Idaho Temple from 1991 until 1994. Additionally, they served many years as temple workers. Effie was also a missionary by the way she lived her life; she loved to serve the Lord and set an example for her family. She was encouraging, responsible, a woman of integrity, and had an everlasting kindness and love for her family. She would do everything in the world to make her family happy. She never missed a chance to share her testimony and tell everyone that she loved Jesus Christ and the living prophet.
She was gifted in the art of sewing, cooking, singing, music, playing boards games, and Rook (which she insisted on playing by her self-created Rook rules). She loved playing golf and won several golf tournaments and once shot a hole-in-one. She also enjoyed pulling pranks.
Effie is survived by her children, Doug (Kaylene) of King Hill (presently serving a mission in California), Gordon (Janet) of Burley, Wayne (Judy) of Sandy, Utah, Lynn (Diane) of Mesa Ariz., and Trudy (Kelly) Davis of Gilbert, Ariz.; her siblings, Edna Mills, Nancy Olsen, Ruth Burton, and Ivan Holt; 30 grandchildren; 93 great-grandchildren; and four great-great- grandchildren (who were all special in her eyes, loving them each in her own way).
In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Wilson Holt; sisters, Roberta Thatcher and Jane Warren; and one great-great-grandchild, Tegan Rees.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Burley 3rd Ward, 2200 Oakley Ave., where friends and family may call from 9 until 10:30 a.m. Officiating will be Bishop Steven Gerratt. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery under the care of Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.
Clinton LaMar Hurst died Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at Utah Valley Hospital after a short illness. His family will miss him dearly.
LaMar was born June 19, 1936 in Declo, Idaho, to Winfield and Arvella (Thorne) Hurst. He graduated from Declo High School in 1954. He then attended Ricks College for two years. LaMar served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central Atlantic States Mission from 1956 to 1958. Upon his return, he married JoAnn L. Phillips on September 11, 1958. They had seven children, and niece Gretchen joined their family at eight years of age. They raised their family in Burley, Idaho.
LaMar worked at Morgan and Lindsay in Declo and Garrett Freightlines in Burley before he joined the Cassia County Sheriff’s Department in 1979. He also managed the LDS Burley Stake church farm for many years, which gave him an opportunity to live his dream and do what he grew up with—farming. Upon retiring in 1998, he worked for a time at King’s Wholesale as a truck driver. LaMar and JoAnn served in the Australia Sydney South mission from 2003 to 2005. They moved to Lindon, Utah, in 2016. LaMar missed Idaho and longed to return to his beloved home state.
LaMar is survived by his wife, JoAnn; his eight children, Kim (Candi), Ray (Lorie), Kent (Darla), Carey (Darin) Perkins, Drew (Allison), Karlene (Lindsey) Altom, Vernal (Sara), and Gretchen (Darby) Newton; as well as 36 grandchildren; and 17 ½ great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Norman Hurst; and one sister, Belva Henscheid.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Declo Stake Center. Burial will follow at the Declo Cemetery.
Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and beginning at 9:30 a.m. prior to the funeral at the church on Wednesday.
KIMBERLY — Jerry Richard Morton 71, of Kimberly, Idaho, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2017 due to complications of pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his wife and children.
Jerry was born on October 25, 1945 in American Fork, Utah and adopted by Bernard and Mattie Morton of Kaysville, Utah, where he was raised. Jerry attended Davis High School and graduated in 1964, then enlisted in the U.S. Army 1964-72.
Jerry met his wife of 42 years while he was driving semi-truck. Teddie Standefer was working at the Burns Brothers Husky Truck stop as a waitress. They knew each other for only 3 weeks but it was love at first sight. He loved her long legs and long hair so he swooped her off her feet in a cloud of diesel smoke. They were married on November 16, 1974. Jerry couldn’t promise her the world but he did promise she wouldn’t be bored.
Jerry had several jobs in his lifetime. After his military service, he became a jack of all trades. Jerry drove Semi Truck, worked in fiber glass & sheet metal fabrication and was a machine mechanic at a potato processing plant. Jerry LOVED being a firefighter!! Jerry started his firefighting career at Simplot Burley, where he joined the fire brigade. When he moved the family to Kimberly he joined the Kimberly/T.F.Co. Mutual Fire Dept. in 1987, were he rose to rank of Asst. Chief. He was involved in the formation for the Rock Creek Fire District. He became a state instructor for Emergency Services Training. Jerry was on the Board of Directors for the Southern Idaho Fire Academy for 21 years. He loved to watch the fresh faces learning about fire safety and the seasoned firefighters learning about the latest techniques of fire suppression.
Of all the jobs Jerry had, he loved being a family man. He was so proud of his 4 children, Richard, John, Tracy, & Robyn. Camping was the highlight of the Summer, topping it off with the “Great Hunt” with his sons and grandsons. They rarely brought one home but they had a blast in trying.
Jerry is proceeded by his parents Bernard and Mattie Morton. He is survived by his loving wife Teddie, 4 children, 7 grandchildren, 8 brothers and sisters.
Services will be held at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home on October 3rd at 2 pm. Visitation will be from 5-7 on October 2nd. A grave side service will be at Rock Creek Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, south of Hansen on Rock Creek Rd.
Helga Pesendorfer was born in Linz, Austria on July 21, 1924 to Werner Pesendorfer and Wulfhilde Veitl Pesendorfer. She attended Handelsacadamie business college in Linz.
As WWII ended, Helga worked as an interpreter for the American troops and met Rollins Anderson. She came to the United States in June 1947 and married Rollins. They were married for 9 years. She was the first war bride in Twin Falls. Her parents moved to the area in October 1951.
A few years after their divorce, she met Theodore Sturgill while working at the Land Bank. They married on October 1, 1963, and were married for 40 years until Ted passed on January 25, 2004. She called Ted the love of her life.
Together, they worked hard and played hard. They loved farming and ranching together, as well as fishing and camping. She was a lover of animals large and small, and they had many pets over the years.
She is survived by Ted’s two children, Lois Sturgill Willis and Eugene Hart Sturgill, 10 step grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.
A Jehovah’s Witness memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall on Saturday at 4:30. A viewing take place Sunday from 6-8 pm at Rosenau Funeral Home. The Funeral service will be Monday at 11 am at Rosenau Funeral Home, with a graveside service to follow at Sunset Memorial.
Family and friends are encouraged to share memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com
HEYBURN — Our beloved mother, Blaza Garza Lara, passed away in her home at 3:00 pm on Monday September 25th surrounded by family.
Blaza was born December 3rd, 1930 in Guerrero, Mexico to Rafael and Gonzala Garza. While growing up, Blaza’s passions were going to school and helping to care for her brothers and sisters. Later in life, she met and married Ramon Lara. After spending the first part of their life together in Texas, they moved to Idaho and started a family. Their four children became the center point of their lives and they worked tirelessly to provide a better life for them.
Blaza loved to garden, and she was able to grow the most beautiful flowers in any kind of soil. She loved to embroider, somehow (we believe it was magic) manipulating her antique sewing machine into creating breath-taking patterns on our pillowcases. Blaza excelled in the kitchen, making each meal with love from scratch.
But Blaza’s true passion was her family. She made sacrifices time and again to make certain her children were taken care of. On those days where her children had to get up early, she was up much earlier to make sure they had a hot meal. She always ensured that her children had clean clothes to wear. She spent so much of her life loving and worrying about her children (and later her grandchildren and great-grandchildren).
Blaza was preceded in death by her husband Ramon and her brother Guadalupe Garza. She is survived by her siblings Elida Lopez, Matilde (Tilita) Cavazos, Adan Garza, Elma Salinas, and Juan Garza. She is also survived by her four children: Juanita (Randall) Teeter, Rafael (Flora) Lara, Ramon (Ruby) Lara, and Albert (Amanda) Lara, along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Morrison Funeral Home, 188 South Hwy 24 in Rupert. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call Friday evening form 6:00 until 8:00 at Morrison Funeral home and one hour prior to the services on Saturday.
TWIN FALLS — Virginia Lee Undhjem, 85, of Twin Falls, Idaho passed away suddenly on Monday, September 25, 2017 at her home in Twin Falls.
Virginia was born on June 24, 1932 in Salt Lake City, Utah the daughter of Earl and Grace Frandsen Peterson. She grew up in Bountiful, Utah and graduated from Davis High School. She furthered her education at Idaho State University where she earned her Master’s Degree in Physical Education in 1983. Virginia taught school at O’Leary Junior High School for over 38 years. She taught History and P.E. as well as coached girls basketball and track. She was an icon of O’Leary Junior High and taught generations of students. She retired from the Twin Falls School District in 1992.
Virginia’s love was golf. She played almost every day that she could. She was a member of the Twin Falls Golf Club and Canyon Springs Golf Course in Twin Falls. She mastered the game winning several tournaments around the valley for many years including 5 time Idaho State Women’s Golf Champion including 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1988 as well as the Magic Valley Amateur 25 times.
Virginia loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She was a fierce competitor on the golf course and loved those whom she played with. A great teacher, neighbor and friend. She will be dearly missed by all those who knew her.
Virginia is survived by her three children, Lance (Debra) Undhjem of Litchfield Park, Arizona; Robin (Vern) Brassey of Boise, Idaho and Eric (Kristin) Undhjem of Telluride, Colorado; as well as her sister-in-law, Joyce Peterson of Bountiful, Utah. She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Lane Undhjem, Luke Undhjem, Hope Brassey, Erin Brassey and Soren Undhjem. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Richard Peterson.
Funeral services for Virginia will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 2, 2017 at the Twin Falls 5th Ward LDS Church, 421 Maurice Street North, Twin Falls with Bishop Jon Conder conducting. Burial will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Monday at the Bountiful Cemetery in Bountiful, Utah. A gathering for family and friends will take place on Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at White Mortuary, 136 4th Ave. East, Twin Falls.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be given in Virginia’s name to the American Diabetes Association. Contributions may be given to funeral chapel staff or can be mailed to American Diabetes Association Idaho Affiliate, 1111 S. Orchard St., Boise, Idaho 83702.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.whitemortuary.com.
GOODING — Donald LeRoy Simis died of a broken heart on September 28, 2017 following the passing of Mary Jean, his wife of 66 years.
Don was born May 21st, 1930 in Gooding, Idaho, to Anna and Sam Simis. He grew up on a farm east of town where he learned to love the wide-open spaces, the soil and the big horizons of the Magic Valley.
He graduated from Gooding High School in 1948 after serving on the Student Council. He attended Utah State University on a football scholarship where he majored in Agronomy and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and ROTC.
In 1951, Don married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jean Robertson. It was the beginning of a 66-year journey that only ended when Mary Jean passed away on 13 September of 2017.
After college graduation, Don served his country in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Bliss Texas for the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic Course, then on to Fairbanks, Alaska for a tour with an Air Defense Artillery Battalion.
Don and Mary Jean returned to Gooding, the town they loved, in 1956 and he went to work for the Gooding Seed Company. He started out doing fieldwork, traveling across southern Idaho, meeting farmers and getting to know the seed business. He also worked many long and dusty nights in the back of the seed company building cleaning seed.
In 1962, Don became the head of the Gooding Seed Company, which he ran for the next 33 years. In 1968, he expanded the company by going into the fertilizer business with his brother-in-law, Larry Robertson.
Don was an astute businessman, and with Larry, built the Gooding Seed Company into one of the most successful agribusinesses in southern Idaho. He was recognized by his peers who elected him President of the Pacific Seed Association in 1986.
Don committed countless hours to his community, serving on the Gooding City Council and on the College of Southern Idaho Foundation. He volunteered at the Gooding Elementary School for 11 years, helping to improve the young students’ reading and English skills. Don and Mary Jane were honored by the Governor as Idaho School Volunteers of the Year in 2011. Don was a proud member of the Gooding Rotary club for 54 years. He was active in the Gooding Methodist Church for 61 years, and was also a member of the El Korah Shrine.
Don had a passion for golf, shooting and bird hunting. He played golf avidly well into his 80s, with two holes in one to his credit. He was a member of both the Gooding and Jerome country clubs. For 15 years following his retirement, he and Mary Jean went south for the winter to enjoy the warm weather and play golf in Palm Desert with friends and family.
Perhaps his greatest passion was bird hunting. In the brisk fall air, he would tramp the fields around Gooding with his friends and beloved dogs, hunting for pheasants. On fall and winter days Don and his hunting companions would venture out to the fields before dawn or in the late afternoons and lay in wait for the ducks to fly in. Don was an excellent duck caller and called in many a flock. He was known to celebrate the end of a successful hunting day with a nip of apricot brandy to help sharpen his eyesight for the next hunting trip.
Don also loved to shoot trap and could be found on many a Tuesday evening east of town at the Gooding Trap Club near the house where he grew up. He was a member of several trap shooting organizations including the Rocky Mount Oysters, and the Shoshones.
Every year, Don planted his garden across the alley and unfailingly nurtured it to yield multiple crops of sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables he always shared with friends and neighbors.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jean, who passed away on September 13, 2017, and by his two sisters Dorothy Lutz and Minnie Krahn. He is survived by his sister, Nancy Mortensen, and his brother, Larry (Lana) Simis.
Don and Mary Jean had three children: Julie (Rod) Gramer, Rob (Teresa) Simis and Rick (Joan) Simis. They were also blessed with seven grandchildren and two step-grandchildren: Bryan (Xiao) Simis; Stephanie Simis; Rose (Michael) Cole, Anna (Brett) Halverson; Molly (Jimmy) Wilkinson; Jennifer (Lukas) Gramer, Robbie Gramer, and Brad and Ryan Cloyd.
He had five great-grandchildren: James Cole, Lucy Halverson, Daniel and Mia Simis, and Ella Brooks Cloyd.
Don and Mary Jean traveled extensively around the world with their friends and family to such locations as Hong Kong, Panama, Russia, Hungary, Italy, the Holy Land and, especially Germany where they loved visiting their grandchildren who lived there.
Don had many lifelong friends in Gooding and throughout the Intermountain West. He had many great times golfing, hunting, traveling and socializing with them all. He always had a twinkle in his eye as he teased and joked with them.
Don will be remembered fondly as the patriarch of the family who was always there whenever someone needed help or advice. He will also be remembered as a devoted husband and loyal friend. Don and Mary Jean held a special place in their hearts for their grandchildren. They traveled across United States and to Europe to celebrate their births, baptisms, graduations and weddings. In return, their grandchildren loved them back, traveling across United States and from Europe to be with them even in their last days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gooding United Methodist Church, the Rotary Foundation or to Ducks Unlimited.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at the Gooding United Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery followed by a reception at the Gooding Country Club.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com.
FAIRFIELD — Bronwyn Rhys “Nick” Davies, 91, of Fairfield, died suddenly September 25, 2017 at his home near Fairfield, Idaho.
Nick was born September 12, 1926 in Huntington, West Virginia to Ellis Rhys Davies and Emma Lavada Black-Davies. When Nick was two, the family moved to Redlands, California where Ellis had accepted an instructor position at Redlands University. Nick spent his childhood riding horses and playing in the orange groves surrounding the family home.
He graduated from Redlands High School in 1944 and immediately joined the Navy. He was sent to radio school to learn Morse code and was assigned to an ammunition ship. In Nick’s first deployment, his ship was kamikazed in Pacific Ocean. He was blown into the water and badly burned, but was fortunate to be rescued. Most of his shipmates did not survive. Upon discharge from the Navy, he attended Redlands University, majoring in Education.
On June 4, 1948, Nick married Zada Willard. He and Zada had three children: Michael, Joanne, and Cheryl. In 1950, Nick and Zada moved to Bakersfield, California, where Nick began teaching both elementary school and physical education for junior high. He taught school for thirty-six years, in the Greenfield Union School District. He influenced thousands of children, implemented little league baseball, and a long lasting recreation program in the Bakersfield area.
Nick married Nancy Packham on July 7, 1973 in Grover City, California. Upon their retirement from teaching in 1986, Nick and Nancy moved to her hometown of Fairfield, Idaho and began a successful home-based business.
He served the Fairfield community as a probation officer for five years and an EMT for ten years. Nick enjoyed fishing and hunting, and especially traveling and eating out.
He is survived by: his wife, Nancy; his children, Michael (Ann) Davies, Joanne (Larry) Keller, and Cheryl (Jerry) Laymance; four granddaughters, Lorie Monaco, Crystal Downs, Nicole Tramel, and Paige Davies; three great-granddaughters; three great-grandsons; two wonderful previous daughters-in-laws, Kathi Davies and Becky Davies; and several cousins.
A viewing will be held for Nick at Demaray Funeral Service—Gooding Chapel on Friday, September 29 from 1:00 – 6:00 pm.
Nick’s nephew Charles Roy Packham passed away six hours before on September 24, 2017 in Twin Falls, Idaho.
A combined graveside service will be held for Nick and Charles on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Mountain View Cemetery north of Fairfield, Idaho. Nick’s funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your favorite charity.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com.
Charles Roy Packham (Charlie, Chuck, Mr P) passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept 24th 2017 after a fierce and courageous battle with melanoma cancer.
He was born to Katherine Stevens and Charles H Packham in Idaho Falls and was one of four boys, Charles was loved and cherished by many.
In his free time he enjoyed BS’ing with his closest friends, watching his LA Rams, and hunting or fishing.
Charles is survived by his three children, Kinley Packham of Twin Falls, Brandon (Courtney) Shearer of Kuna and Brook (Tristan) Ash of Kuna. Significant other Heather Rolph of Twin Falls. Father Charles (Carol) Packham two brothers Eddy and David, his three grandchildren, Alexander, Rhyalyn and Emerson several close aunts and uncles and many friends. He was precede in death by his mother, Katherine A Stevens; brother George Packham; both sets of Grandparents.
A Family & Friends Memorial Service will take place Friday September 29, 2017 from 2 p.m-5 p.m at Rosenau Funeral home Twin falls. Please come as you are—casual, as we all know that’s how Charles would have wanted it.
Catherine “Cathie” B. Pepper, 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at a care facility in Pocatello, Idaho.
Catherine was born May 19, 1935, to Tom and Myrtle McClendon in Branson, Colorado.
On April 3, 1955, she married Charles E. Pepper in Raton, New Mexico. They were married for 62 years. Together they had two children, Valarie K. and Coy A. Pepper.
Cathie worked at many jobs throughout her life, but the one she was most proud of was her work as the Deputy Treasurer of Gooding County for over 25 years.
Cathie enjoyed spending time with family and friends, crafting and shopping.
Cathie is survived by: her daughter, Valarie (Paul) Petersen of Pocatello; granddaughter, Kristene R. Petersen; great-grandsons, Baylor J. and Dempsey P. Henderson of Victor, Idaho; her son, Coy (Connie) Pepper of Winnemucca, NV; granddaughter, Jamie Pepper of Winnemucca, NV; sister, Joann Banks of Seattle, WA; brother Tom McClendon of Pauldin, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.
Cathie was preceded in death by: her husband, Charles, her parents and sister, Margaret Wilder.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Quinn Meadows Nursing Home, Dr. Mills and the staff at Heritage Hospice for the loving care they gave Cathie during the last stages of her life. The family also expresses their deep gratitude and appreciation to Jill Bright for her love and care of Cathie over the past three years. Jill, you made her days brighter by loving her and being there with her.
As per Cathie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at the Hagerman Senior Center 140 E. Lake St. in Hagerman, Idaho. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Rd, in Chubbuck, Idaho. Condolences may be sent to the family online at wilksfuneralhome.com.
Shanna Lee Anderson Rector 57, passed away from natural causes on Sunday morning, September 24, 2017. Shanna was born April 19, 1960 to Ariel Gustav Anderson and Alberta Mae Anderson in Burley, Idaho.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Todd Anderson. Shanna is survived by her ex-husband Timothy Rector, their two sons, Justin Rector (Michelle) and Aaron Rector, and her beloved sister Jaynee McCarroll. Shanna has three rambunctious grandsons, one amazing granddaughter, many nieces and nephews and even some great-nieces and great-nephews.
Shanna and her family would like to thank Woodstone Assisted Living and their staff for their love and care. Shanna will be sorely missed by everyone who had the fortune of getting to know her. Funeral services will be held on Saturday September 30, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Rd, Twin Falls, ID 83301. To share memories or condolences please go to her memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com
Lois May Shuler Rice was born November 21, 1934 in Sheldon, Kansas to Willard & Ruth (Andrews) Shuler. She and her family moved to Murtaugh, Idaho a few years later where she grew up with her three sisters. She passed peacefully Sunday, September 24th with her daughters by her side.
She met the love of her life, Cecil Leon Rice when he and his family traveled from Missouri to Murtaugh to work in the fall spud harvest. They were married a few years later on October 23, 1947 and raised 5 children together. They were later sealed for time and all eternity on October 23, 1970 in the Logan LDS Temple.
Lois was first and foremost a Momma to her children and a wife and helpmate to her husband. She and Leon built a happy life together. She and the family spent 20 years moving around with the Air Force because being together was most important. After retiring from the Air Force, they moved to Ogden, Utah for 8 years. While living there they joined the LDS Church. In 1973 they moved to Filer, Idaho to be close to Lois’s parents and sisters.
All the neighbor kids gathered at Lois’s house and she was happiest when she was feeding people – meals, snacks or treats. She was a true caregiver. She worked outside of the home some and served as ward librarian in Filer for many years, but always put her husband and family first.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Ruth, her stepfather George Drown, her husband and sweetheart Leon, son JR, son-in-law Dennis Henson, sister Betty Crawford, and brothers-in-law Charles Crawford and Jack Jones. She is survived by her sisters, Doris Jones and Norma (Larry) Wilson, her daughters, Wanda (Rod) Payne, Sue (Marv) Pebley, Joyce (Jeff) Devey, and Vickie Henson. She has 18 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews who will all miss her loving smile, cookies, cakes and Christmas candy.
She is now back with her sweetheart of almost 70 years and is in his loving arms that she has missed so much the past 4 years. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.
Lois’s life will be celebrated at a funeral service at 3:00 PM Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Reynolds Funeral Chapel, 2466 Addison Avenue East in Twin Falls. The burial will follow at the Filer Cemetery. A viewing for family and friends will take place on Saturday from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Reynolds Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be left at reynoldschapel.com.
FILER — Diana Michelle Martin, at age 36, of Filer, Idaho, passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by her family.
Diana was born on June 26, 1981, in Socorro, New Mexico. She was the youngest of 5 children and always strived to keep up with her older siblings. She attended primary and secondary schools in Greenville, Texas; Lemoore, California; Council, Idaho; Provo, Utah; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Parma, Idaho. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Diana loved to create using various mediums and was a capable do-it-yourselfer. She always had a goal to serve in the medical industry but due to health restraints it remained a dream. Diana was a fighter through all her health and life challenges, but in her wish to partake of normal life she was blessed with 2 children, Michael and Kailyn. Diana could bring joy and comfort to those she loved and accepted many acts of kindness from family, church members, and friends. The many medical personnel that helped her with comfort, communication, and relief were appreciated and needed by Diana and her family. All the aid was invaluable. Thank you.
Diana is survived by her two children, Michael Fithian and Kailyn Pitts; parents Sharon (Pritchett) Brown and John (Barbee Butts) Martin, Jr.; siblings: Alicia (Robert) Cowger, Rhoeta (Stacy) Murray, David (Melissa) Martin, Greg (Erin) Martin; 9 nephews and 5 nieces; and uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Diana was preceded in death by step-father Robert Brown, grandparents Robert and Evelyn (Small) Pritchett and John Martin and Lucille Jefferson.
Burial will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at noon at the Filer I.O.O.F Cemetery followed by services at 1:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1001 Fair Ave, Buhl, Idaho.
Friends may share memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com
RUPERT — Basilisa Beitia of Rupert passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2017 in Rupert, Idaho. She was born in Ispaster, Vizcaya, Spain and came to the U.S. in January 1972. She worked for Joe Studer Dairy, C & Y Dairy, JR Simplot and retired in 1995.
Basilisa is survived by her daughter Karmela Beitia, son Rodrigo Beitia, Kathy Sievers, granddaughter Lacie Betia, Soraya Berry and Myles Berry, Ramireo Granado, Michael Granado, brother Juan Laca, sisters Irene Laca, Ma Angeles Laca, and Dominica Irusta. She is preceded in death by her son Juan Jose Beitia, husband Basilio Beitia, brother Bernard Laca and parents Juan Jose Laca and Jeronima Ocamica.
Memorial Mass was held September 20, 2017 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church with Father Gabriel Moralez officiating. Services concluded with burial in the Rupert Cemetery under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary.
The Beitia family would like to thank Minidoka Home Health and Hospice for the care of their mother. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 802 I Street, Rupert, ID 83350.
Cecil Eugene “Chris” Christopherson passed away on the morning of August 22, 2017. He was born in Declo, Idaho on June 4, 1934 to Cecil and Bonnie Belnap Christopherson.
After high school, Chris did field and surveying work for the U.S. Forest Service in northern Idaho and western Montana. He would later regale family and friends with stories (mostly true) about his time in the Western outdoors.
He interrupted his college studies to join the U.S. Air Force and was accepted into the navigation training program as a cadet. More (mostly) believable stories were born of his adventures in the service. He completed flight training but, because of health issues, he was redirected into computer programming, qualifying him to start a new career in the brave new world of computers.
He married Diane Olson in 1963 and they raised two children, Brian (Aurora CO) and Anne (Grand Forks ND). They divorced in 1994.
Chris eventually graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in the Liberal Arts from the University of Montana. While a student, the U.S. Forest Service hired him as a software designer and computer programmer for Region 1. His biggest achievement there was to develop a system for managing timber development and inventory that was still in use at least ten years ago. He then moved on to Control Data Corporation, first, as a troubleshooter and then, as a sales representative. The family moved to Idaho Falls, ID so that he could achieve his proudest moment with the company by brokering a deal with EG&G, Idaho. This sales earned him the “Shark Award,” as outstanding salesman of the year. He eventually left Control Data to work for ETA Systems, a CDC off-shoot. From ETA, he moved on to Network Systems; all sales positions.
He finally retired from what he called ‘useful work,’ and moved to Columbus OH. He continued to be an avid reader, spent a lot of quality time with his brother, Larry, and found a great community of friends and fellowship at Karl Road Baptist Church.
Chris leaves behind a legacy of amazing stories and a remarkable laugh. He would like his friends and family to smile, if not laugh, upon remembering his life and spirit.
Chris is survived by his children; brothers, Larry (Ginny) of Columbus OH, Gerald (Carol) of Discovery Bay CA; and sisters Rita (Jack) Shearer of Gig Harbor WA, and Barbara (Bill) Geiger of Moses Lake WA. He was preceded in death by both parents; sister, Marilyn (Paul) Stewart; and brother, Jack.
In his later years, Chris benefited greatly from the Veteran’s Administration and the Franklin County (OH) Senior Options program. His name can be found on the Wall of Honor at the Northeast Montana Veterans Memorial Park in Fort Peck MT. Donations to these types of organizations are encouraged if one feels so moved. There will be a memorial service in October at Karl Road Baptist Church in Columbus OH and a memorial service for family members in Idaho at a later date.
POCATELLO — Jeffrey Brennen Bedke, 25, of Pocatello, and formerly of Oakley, passed away Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017, in Pocatello.
He was born Jan. 7, 1992, in Boise, Idaho, to Jeff Bedke and Shannon Felsted. He attended elementary school in Oakley and later graduated from Highland High School in Pocatello. Upon completion of high school in 2010, he joined the United States Marines. In 2013, he was deployed to Afghanistan where he served a six-month tour. His comrades remember him as the brother that treated everyone with kindness and respect.
Bren was also a kind and loving brother to his sister, Shayla, and brothers, Austin and Corbin. He loved to watch and support them in their sports and other activities. Early childhood years in Oakley meant growing up with his cousins as his first best friends. They learned all about the adventures of mutton busting and calf riding and they teamed up for countless other shenanigans. There was hardly a birthday, Halloween, Easter or Christmas holiday they weren’t together.
During his teen years in Pocatello, Bren worked at Grease Monkey and was active in welding at school. He was an adventurer who loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting with his families, snowmobiling and riding his 4-wheeler. He spent a lot of his free time with his closest friends fishing, mud digging, golfing, and hanging out.
Brennen was preceded in death by his cousin, Zac McClain. He is survived and greatly missed by his parents, Jeff and Melissa Bedke of Oakley, and Dale and Shannon Felsted of Pocatello; sister, Shayla Dwonch; brothers, Austin and Corbin Bedke; and grandparents, Leon and Ruth Bedke of Burley, Merle and Mary Fulton, and Bruce and Joyce DeGraff of Payette; he also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, and a large tribe of cousins.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at Basin Cemetery east of Oakley.
Arrangements are under the care of Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made at any Zions Bank to the Jeffrey Bedke memorial account.
MALTA — Scott Edwin Knudsen, 77, of Malta, passed away Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls.
Scott was born Dec. 26, 1939, in Fairview, Idaho, the son of Delbert Christian and Verna Hall Knudsen; he was the sixth of eight children that grew up in the family home on a farm in Fairview. He went to Fairview Elementary and completed his education in Preston, Idaho. At a young age he learned the love of horses and the ranching way of life.
In 1974, he and his wife, Patricia Oman Knudsen, moved to Malta with their small family where he helped operate Interstate Feeders for 35 years. Together, they built a farm and raised cattle. Scott enjoyed being around his cattle and horses. He found joy while working with his family on the ranch. They built a wonderful life for their children. They taught the value of hard work and honest living.
Scott is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia; his children, Debbie (Alan) Beckstead and Russell (Julie) Knudsen all of Preston, Shawn Knudsen of Malta, Amy (Brett) Bird of Boise, Nick (Cedar) Knudsen of Albion, and Colebee (Monica) Knudsen of Malta; 18 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Pat Maughan of Pocatello, Tony (Lucynthia) Knudsen of Albuquerque, N.M., Neil (Linda) Knudsen of Idaho Falls, Ranee “Kate” (Max) Palmer of Sugar City, Suzanne (Paul) Carver of Soda Springs, and Peggy (Glade) Moser of Preston.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Delbert Hall Knudsen; a granddaughter, Kendra Paige Berrier; and a great-granddaughter, Karlie Ann Williams.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Malta, with Bishop Dallan Spencer officiating. Burial will be in Valley Vu Cemetery.
Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday, at the church preceding the service.
BURLEY — Victor Barra Jr., age 63, of Burley, passed away, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, at Cassia Regional Hospital in Burley.
Victor was born June 19, 1954, in Spokane, Washington, to Victor and Dominga Gonzales Barra. He received his education in Idaho Falls and Pullman, Washington. He married Anna Vale in 1998, in Burley.
Victor was a member of the Catholic Church and he owned and operated his own trucking business. He was passionate about karaoke singing and playing the guitar. He also enjoyed watching football with his grandson, Darius.
He is survived by his wife, Anna; his children, Victor Barra III of Pasco, Wash., Joanna Barra of Kennewick, Wash., Gabriel, Veronica and Jennifer, all of California, and Shannon, Rodney and Robert, all of Burley; as well as many grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews, one brother, Domingo Barra of Corpus Christi, Texas, and two sisters, Rosalinda Beltran of Burley, and Roberta Barra, of Boise.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Margarita; his brother, Saul; and his daughter, Beckie Fairchild.
A rosary service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley.
We love you and will forever miss you!
Dale Herman Petersen, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2017 at the age of 86 at the Avalon Health & Rehabilitation Center, Pasco, WA. Dale lived most of his life in Twin Falls, Idaho, and several years in Washington State.
Dale was born on October 13, 1930 in Pierce, Pierce County, Nebraska to Louie (Ludvig) Rudolph and Opal Belle (Timperley) Petersen.
His family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho when he was a young child. He completed his schooling there and then went to work on a cattle and sheep ranch in the Three Creek, Idaho area. He and his older brother Glen loved this remote part of Idaho. He enjoyed working with horses. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and served at various posts in Germany in the Military Police.
After his discharge, he returned to Twin Falls, Idaho. He married Charlene Lenora Brandon on April 25, 1953, in Buhl, Twin Falls County, Idaho. They lived in Murtaugh, Idaho where Dale worked on the Uhlig Ranch with his brother Glen. In 1967 Dale moved his family to Sunnyside, Washington where he farmed and ranched with his brothers. In 1978 Dale, Charlene and Roy moved to Sprague, Washington where he was the foreman for the Fox Milling Ranch and later they moved to Spokane, Washington continuing to work for Fox Milling Feed Mill. Their youngest son Roy passed away in 1987 from a seizure. After the feed mill closed Dale and Charlene moved to Pasco, Washington. Charlene passed away from cancer in June 1993 and Dale retired.
He then moved back to Twin Falls, Idaho where he married Darlene Sievers on April 16, 1994. They enjoyed several years together. Darlene passed away on August 29th, 2008. Dale enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, telling stories, reading a good western and visiting with people. He was always thoughtful of others and liked helping when he could.
He was preceded in death by his parents, elder brothers – Clarence, Vern and Glen; and his wife Charlene and wife Darlene and youngest son Roy Keith Petersen. He is survived by his younger brothers Byron (Ruth) of Yakima, Washington and Fred (Gloria) of Colville, Washington. He is also survived by his sons Wade (Macel) of Pendleton, Oregon; Stuart (Carmen) of Yakima, Washington; Harlan (Dee) of Goose Prairie, Washington; and Ryan (Julie) of Pasco, Washington. He has 14 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday the 29th of September at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, 7800 Van Belle Rd, Sunnyside, WA. A reception will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2000 E Lincoln Ave, Sunnyside, WA, following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Those wishing to sign Dale’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
JEROME—Anna Louise Aldama, 63, of Jerome, Idaho passed away September 25, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born November 21, 1953 in Poplar, Montana to Louis Lambert III and Helen M. Damm Lambert.
A viewing will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S Lincoln Ave, Jerome. Anna will be laid to rest with her family in Montana.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Anna’s memorial webpage at www.farsnworthmortuary.com.
EDEN—Petra Perry, 85, of Eden went home to our Heavenly Father and united with her son and loved ones on September 23, 2017, in her home she had her family by her side as she went peacefully, with dignity in her sleep.
Petra was born on June 19, 1932 in George West Texas to Antonio and Francisca Medina-Rendon.
Petra married the love of her life Henry Perry Jr. on November 23, 1950 in Gering, Nebraska, together they had 2 children, Robert and Ellis.
Petra was a dedicated and hard worker. She worked at Ore-Ida, Tupperware, and retired from McCains to spend time with her family and friends.
Petra was a very loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family especially her great grandchildren. She enjoyed working on her beautiful yard and flower beds, and listening to her Spanish music. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Petra was a member of St. Jerome’s Catholic Church.
Petra is survived by her husband of 66 years, her (Son) Robert and Emily Perry of Jerome, (Daughter-in-law) Marlene Perry of Burley, 7 grand-children, 18 great-grand-children and one on the way; (Sister) Martha Vielma of Payette, ID, (Sister’s) Rosa Stanford, and Tila Garza both from San Antonio TX, (Brother) Jose Rendon of Roanoke, VA.
She is preceded in death by her son Ellis Perry, her parents, sister Jessusa Hernandez, and brothers Antonio Rendon, and Charlie Rendon.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Hospice Visions for their care and support of Petra and the family.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Demaray’s Jerome Memorial Chapel (629 E. 3rd). Friends may call on Wednesday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the chapel. Burial will follow at the Hazelton Cemetery.
DECLO – The sunshine is setting on the sweetest lady in the world, Florence Dolores Kelsey, 86, of Declo, who passed away Friday, Sept. 22, 2017, at Parke View Rehabilitation & Care Center in Burley.
Dolores was born October 10, 1930, in Magna, Utah, the daughter of Owen Herron and Florence Rushton Herron. She graduated from Cyprus High School in Magna and then completed two years of college studies. She married J. Robert Kelsey, in Magna, on December 30, 1950, and together they had seven children.
She was a dedicated mother and homemaker to her children and a devoted wife. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served as a devoted primary teacher, nursery leader, visiting teacher and faithful Den Mother in the Scouting program.
Dolores was gifted in the arts. During her high school years, she and her best friend Elaine Hepworth were involved together in acting, singing, yodeling and comedy. They have remained friends for 81 years. Her angelic voice is now heard throughout heaven, singing her beautiful songs. She also enjoyed camping, traveling, writing and artistry. She was blessed with the opportunity to travel to the country of Israel and the U.S. city of Nauvoo, Illinois, which both held religious significance to her. She was a faithful writer, sending many letters to family, friends and missionaries!
She loved and was deeply loved by her children and grandchildren. They felt as if Heavenly Father must have given them a choice as to who would become their mother in this life. She had unconditional love for each of her children. She enjoyed her buddy and great-grandson, Kace Kelsey. She said he made life worth living. Charly was also a special, giving great-granddaughter to Dolores.
Dolores is survived by her children, Eddy (Valerie) Kelsey of Declo, Debra (Rodney) Hammond of Burley, Paul (Karen) Kelsey of West Valley City, Utah, Bret Kelsey of Declo, Ronnie Kelsey of Declo, Lynn (Norma) Kelsey of Twin Falls, Idaho, Bart (Tina) Kelsey of Eagle River, Alaska and Rachel Kelsey of Paul; 20 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Robert; her parents Owen and Florence; her brother, Londo Herron; her sisters, Myrna Nielsen, and Sherrie Holsteen; her grandson, William Wells; her daughter-in-law, Denise Kelsey.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Declo Stake Center, 213 W. Main, with Bishop Dale Darrington officiating. Burial will be in Declo Cemetery.
Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Friday, prior to the service at the church.
KETCHUM—Traves Olson, 45, passed away peacefully at home in Ketchum, Idaho surrounded by family and friends on September 22, 2017. He was born in Jerome County, Idaho on August 29, 1972 to Margie McClain and Calvin Olson. He graduated from Valley High School where he played football and basketball, winning the high school state football championship in 1990.
He went on to play football at Idaho State University in Pocatello. During college he became an avid fly fisherman and a raft guide. After graduating from Idaho State University, he later received his MBA from Boise State University. He met his wife, Julie Robertson Olson, in Boise, Idaho and they were married along the banks of his beloved Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Frank Church Wilderness. He was an unbelievable father to their twin daughters, Brooklyn Claire Olson (10) and Sarah Margaret Olson (10). He had absolute enjoyment hiking, biking, skiing and rafting with them, as well as watching them cross country ski, play soccer, run, perform in theater and ballet and play their violin and cello. He was a boatman through and through – loved the geology, natural history and water flow of every river he navigated. He guided on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, the Lower Salmon, and Hells Canyon—Snake River. Over the course of his life, he guided close to two hundred trips for Hughes River Expeditions where he made lifelong friends with clients and fellow raft guides. He also was a fishing guide in Idaho as well as in Chile. He followed his river career with building homes, particularly enjoying the construction of sustainably built homes. He built their family home north of Ketchum, an everlasting legacy to his children. He most recently was employed by custom homebuilder Krekow Jennings Inc. and loved the work and the friendships he made with the crew.
Traves is survived by his wife Julie and their twin daughters Brooklyn and Sarah. His mother Margie McClain of Hazelton, Idaho and his father Calvin Olson of Hazelton, Idaho. His sister Arin Olson of Rochester, New York. His mother-in-law and father-in-law Sarah and William Robertson of Shaker Heights, Ohio. His sister-in-law, Deborah Robertson (Jeff Lamoureux) of Ketchum, Idaho. His brother-in-law, John Robertson of Seattle, Washington. Nieces Hannah Robertson and Lucy Lamoureux. Nephews Graham Robertson and Will Lamoureux. And many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by both maternal grandparents, Ralph and Wanda McClain and paternal grandparents, Raymond and Carma Olson.
The family would like to thank the St. Luke’s Health System for all the wonderful care that was provided to Traves during his battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme (primary brain cancer). Also tremendous thanks needs to be given to all of the friends and family that supported Traves on this journey. The family would ask that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to any of the following organizations: St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation (P.O. Box 7005, Ketchum, Idaho 83340), or Hemingway STEAM School P.A. (P.O. BOX 298, Ketchum, ID 83340), or Selway Bitteroot Frank Church Foundation (P. O. Box 1886, Boise, ID 83701), or an organization of your choice.
A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday September 30, 2017, at the Limelight Hotel, 151 Main St S, Ketchum, Idaho. Please share a memory or photo and light a candle at www.woodriverchapel.com
Our friend Geraldine Marie Gurley LaMonica Melott died Friday, September 15, 2017 at Memorial Hermann/Greater Heights Hospital, Houston, Texas from complications associated with diabetes. She was born October 22, 1947, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Marie “Bonnie” Gubser Gurley and A.L. “Bud” Gurley.
Geraldine “Gerry” attended St. Edwards Catholic Elementary School and Twin Falls High School where she had many fond memories and lifelong friends. She later graduated from The College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho in 1969 with a degree in History. The following year she obtained a graduate degree from the Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management. After completing her graduate degree, Geraldine studied one year in Madrid, Spain. While in Spain, Geraldine and Daniel Melott spent time traveling in Europe and North Africa up until she scheduled a safari in East Africa and then in Iran.
Once completing her studies, Geraldine arrived in Houston, Texas and started working in the banking industry where she eventually became a leading authority in International Letters of Credit and then became a Senior Vice President with BBVA Compass Bank prior to retirement.
Geraldine had a love of travel and wanderlust. After thirty years and many postcards from Daniel, they rekindled their relationship in 2000 and married March 15, 2014. Together they traveled to Latin America , Central America, the Caribbean, East Africa and Europe. Geraldine was always fond of reminiscing about her childhood. Her father was an early partner and developer in Cactus Pete’s, a landmark casino in Jackpot, Nevada. Geraldine remembered her “Sweet Sixteen” birthday when Wayne Newton sang Happy Birthday to her. She always enjoyed visiting her relatives in Gilroy, California and New Mexico.
Geraldine is survived by her loving husband and friend, Daniel and her sister, Shirley Ann Gurley of Kimberly, Idaho. She is also lovingly remembered by her aunts, uncles and many cousins. There has always been a sincere friendship with the family of her deceased husband, Joseph LaMonica of Houston, Texas.
It is fondly said that the telephone was invented for Geraldine—she loved picking up the phone to chat with family and friends. She will always be remembered for her natural ability to reach out to people both deeply and positively. The family asks that you celebrate Geraldine’s life in your own way – sharing stories, toasting to her memory, doing an unsolicited act of kindness for a stranger or just having a good laugh would be most appropriate.
Richard Carl Maris, Sr. was brought into this world on May 23, 1935 in Redondo Beach, California and he went home on September 14, 2017 in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Richard, who also went by Rick or Rickey, grew up in Long Beach, California where he was a star athlete at Jordan High School. He received a lifetime pass to any athletic game at Jordan. He lettered in football, baseball and track. Rickey was highly popular and graduated from Jordan in 1954.
Rick loved classic cars and went to car shows with his friends and fellow car enthusiasts. He was also a member of the Monarch Lion Club of Twin Falls. Rick had a long career and a love for driving trucks. He drove for Safeway Food Stores for 36 years, where he made many lifelong friends.
Rick moved from Ontario, California to Twin Falls, Idaho with his wife Clarissa in November of 2006. Rick and Clarissa, or Chris, were married May 26, 1963 and built a life together starting out in Lakewood, California and then Ontario, California and finally retiring to Twin Falls.
Before driving trucks, Rick provided for himself and Chris by playing travel baseball with the California Cuties. Rick also played AAA baseball for many years. He was awarded and known for his stolen base abilities. Rick played in an international league with Mexico and later coached softball, winning many championships. He loved the game. Rick also had a passion for guns and hunting and was a coin enthusiast.
Rick’s father, Clifford Edward Maris was born in Ohio and his mother, Frances was born in Calexico, Mexico. He is survived by his children, Rick Maris, Jr. and wife Linda, Pete Maris and wife Roseann, Ed Maris and his wife Jackie, and his daughter Brenda and son Michael; his brother Pete and wife Kay, sister Helen and wife Juanita, sister-in-law Jeanette; his grandchildren, Stephanie, Gregory, Natalie, Cliff, Blaze, Scott, Peter, Michael and Adam; and great grandchildren Sean, James, Lily and Helena.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Clifford, and grandchild Mykael.
In Rick’s 82 years, he grew to friend a lot of people. He was a character and enjoyed life and shared a lot of memories with family and friends. His family would like to acknowledge St. Lukes Hospice for the great service and care they gave Rick in his remaining moments. He laughed with you and it was a real pleasure seeing that. Thank you to Travis, Becky, Amber, Robin and Dawn. You will always have a place in this family’s heart for your love and care.
Rick’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Reynolds Funeral Chapel, 2466 Addison Avenue East in Twin Falls. Condolences may be left at reynoldschapel.com.
BURLEY — Dixie Fallis (Watson) Kossman 71, passed away Tuesday September 19, 2017 at Rosetta Assisted Living Facility in Burley, Idaho. Dixie was born to Laurence Dewey Fallis and Susanna Allen Fallis in Firth, Idaho. Dixie worked at Ore-Ida Foods and Simplot’s Potato Processing plants in Burley. She enjoyed quilting, being with her family, gardening, fishing, and cooking. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband’s Tracy Watson and Kenneth G. Kossman, and 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Dixie is survived by her two sons, Kevin Watson (Lizibeth), Travis Watson and daughter Trena (Mike) Phillips, and stepson’s Darwin (Teresa) and Matt (Heidie) Kossman. Dixie has 5 beautiful granddaughters and 4 great-grandchildren. Dixie and her family would like to thank Dr. Swenson, Rosetta Assisted Living and Encompass Hospice for their excellent care. Funeral Services will be held on Friday September 22, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Hansen Mortuary with an hour viewing prior to services. Services will conclude with burial at the Paul cemetery under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary.
Mary Ann Wall Nelson left this world to meet her Lord, August 2, 2017 with her family at her side.
She was born December 13, 1932 in her family home in Spalding, Nebraska. She was the daughter of Marion and Edna Wall. The family moved to Kimberly, Idaho when she was eight years old. She had one brother, Kaye, who preceded her in death, as well as her parents.
She was married to John Nelson and they were later divorced. To this marriage there were four children. All were her greatest pride: Debbie (Kirk) Christensen, Rick (Kim) Nelson, Dan (Jackie) Nelson and Angie (Larry) Heinemann. There are eleven grandchildren and nine great grandsons.
She loved teaching Bible studies and working with the youth of the church. She attended many Lay Witness Missions sharing her love for the Lord. Cake decorating was also a love of hers and she taught this at the College of Southern Idaho. Her favorite hobbies were reading and stamping with her friends.
The family would like to thank Grace Assisted Living in Nampa and Heart ‘n Home Hospice for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to Crossroads Methodist Church P.O. Box 326 Kimberly, Idaho 83341 to develop a ‘Mary Ann’s Prayer Area’ which was her wish for the church.
Services will be September 23, 2017 at 11 am at the Crossroads Methodist Church in Kimberly, Idaho.
TWIN FALLS — Cecilia Rhoades (Flemont) passed away Friday, September 15, 2017 at her home in Twin Falls, Idaho. Cecilia was born January 5, 1935 in Winnipeg Canada. She is survived by her brothers, Peter Deleon James Deleon and Frank Deleon, her sisters Rita Debbs, Judy Mendoza and Gloria Deleon; Children Bito Cantu, Alfonso Cantu, Mary Cantu, Charlene Fairbanks, Juanita Jackson, Helen Lundin, Norma, Barbara, Andy, Pete, Lola, and Jenny Hernandez; Becky, Tammy, Glenda Rhoades, many great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob Rhoades, granddaughter Saraha M. Allen, her sister Rosie Darling, son Lupe Hernandez Jr, Tony and Sandy Hernandez, Doug Rhodes and several more.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 22, 2017 at St Edwards Catholic Church at 10:00AM, 161 6th Ave. E, Twin Falls, Idaho. Viewing will be held from 6-8:00PM with the Rosary to be held at 7:00PM at Rosenau Funeral Home 2826 Addison Ave. E, Twin Falls. Burial will follow the services at Twin Falls Cemetery with a potluck to follow at the Parish Hall. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com
Linda Rearick, 71, passed away Saturday evening, Sept. 16, 2017 at home with her husband Gene and daughter Ranae by her side. Linda had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May and because of complications was not able to undergo aggressive treatment. After a period of hospitalization she came home for hospice care on Thursday Sept. 14 and had an evening enjoying her home, family, and pets.
Linda was born July 28, 1946 in Twin Falls to Robert and Barbara (Montgomery) Bailey. She grew up in Twin Falls and attended both the old elementary school at Curry and the ‘new’ Harrison Elementary School. After graduating from Twin Falls High School she attended Ricks College and Idaho State University. She was particularly proud of completing her Registered Nursing degree at the College of Southern Idaho although she was not able to practice that profession due to her own health problems.
In 1966 Linda married Boyd Ash of Twin Falls and they had two children, Randy and Ranae. They lived in Salt Lake City and Calgary, Alberta but were later divorced. Linda later married Ron Clark and after living in Eugene, OR and Colorado Springs, CO they returned to Idaho and lived in Buhl. Linda and Ron were the parents of two children: Aaron and April. After their divorce, Linda met and married Gene Rearick. Linda and Gene spent seventeen very happy years together before their time with each other was cut too short by her illness. They made yearly trips to one of their favorite places, Yellowstone National Park, as well as several trips to Hawaii and the Oregon Coast. They also enjoyed camping trips to Stanley Lake and the Pioneer Mountains. This spring before Linda became too ill they flew to upstate New York where she was able to visit LDS church historic sites.
Linda’s brother Hal recalls her as a very happy child with a sunny disposition. She grew into an adult who enjoyed talking with anyone and became friends with everyone she met. Her children remember her as a mother who went out of the way to make holidays and birthdays very special. Christmas was her favorite and she admitted to staying awake all night on Christmas Eves as a child. Linda will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Linda is survived by her husband Gene; her brother Hal (Rosanne) Bailey of St. George, UT; her children Randy Clark of Ashland, OR, Ranae (Frank) Shoup of Twin Falls, Aaron (Rachel) Clark of West Monroe, LA, and April (Chris) Clark-Walker of Tacoma, WA as well as Gene’s children Beth (James Begley) Rearick of Tacoma, WA, Carol (Chris) Mueller of Beaverton, OR, and David (Melisa) Rearick of Herriman, UT. She also had a close relationship with Ron’s older children Lauri (Bruce) Cragun of Riverdale, UT and her brothers Kevin and Mike Clark. Linda is also survived by twenty grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Linda was preceded in death by both of her parents; two grandchildren, Zoey Clark and Benjamin Clark; and a stepdaughter Melanie Clark.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Twin Falls LDS West Stake Center 667 Harrison St. in Twin Falls with a viewing from 6-8 p.m. Friday, September 22, 2017 at White Mortuary “Chapel by the Park.”
Condolences may be left by visiting www.whitemortuary.com
ELBA — Sharlene Jensen Ottley was born Nov. 28, 1934, in Brigham City, Utah, as the oldest daughter of DeLore Roosevelt Jensen and Margaret Hawkins Gunnell. She was raised on the family farm, three miles west of Brigham City and attended grade school, junior high, and high school in Brigham City. In 1951, on her 17th birthday, she married Clifton Davis Ottley in the Logan Utah LDS Temple. She felt that there was never a girl treated with such royalty and love as her husband, Clifton, showed her. They were the proud parents of three sons, Charles Clifton (Chuck), Thomas DeLore, and Michael Troy Ottley.
They were able to have 20 years together visiting Elba, Idaho, often, as Clifton loved his hometown. She remembers how beautiful she thought it was the first time she visited in April 1951. They lived in Montana a short time after being married, then moved back to Utah as they needed to stay close to medical care for Clifton. She cleaned houses and worked hard to help provide a living for their family while her husband was ill. They enjoyed going to club activities for the 7-11 Horse Riding Club, camp outs, hunting, and holidays with family.
The year 1971 was a very hard year for Sharlene. In a span of five months she lost her mother, mother-in-law, father, and finally her beloved husband, Clifton, on December 18th. Four family deaths in such a short time were almost more than she could bear. But with two young sons still to raise, she moved to Elba, on Aug. 25, 1972, with the help of her eldest son, Chuck, and her brothers and sisters. She grew to love Elba and the people there and it was a wonderful place to raise her sons.
She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed her time spent in the Relief Society presidency and teaching in Primary. She was a visiting teaching reporter for many years. She worked in the school lunch room at Raft River for 12 years where she used her talents for cooking and cleaning. Sharlene also loved flowers and enjoyed growing a garden. However, her greatest joy in life came from the time she spent with her grandchildren as they were the “sunshine in her life.”
Sharlene passed away Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, at Highland Estates Assisted Living in Burley, Idaho.
She is survived by her three sons, Chuck Ottley of Tooele, Utah, Tom (Sally) Ottley and Michael (Talee) Ottley both of Elba; 12 grandchildren, Clifton Gerald (Darcy) Ottley of Sandy, Utah, Caitlin Charlene (Steven) Baum of Tooele, Utah, Thomas Braden (Aubrey) Ottley of Malta, Kassie Alaine (Brad) Darrington of Declo, Elder Bowdrie Zane Ottley—serving a mission in Durban, South Africa, Kamri Dawn Ottley of Elba, Brodey Clifton Ottley of Elba, Gage Dean Hanley of Elgin, Iowa, Nate Alan Hanley of Casper, Wyo., Ruthanne Naomi Ottley—attending BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, Abbygail Tess Ottley of Elba, and Nash Stetson Ottley of Elba; four great-grandchildren, Samantha, Bjorn Rowan, Kate Minnie, and Kinlee Sue; two brothers, Steve (Ann) Jensen of Bear River, Utah, and Leon (Margie) Jensen of Brigham City, Utah; two sisters, Carolyn Davis and Sue (Max) Jensen both of Brigham City, Utah; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Sharlene was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton Davis Ottley; parents, DeLore Roosevelt Jensen and Margaret Hawkins Gunnell; parents-in-law, Charles Edward Ottley, Annie Davis Ottley, and Blanche Lloyd Ottley Parish; granddaughter, Melissa Ann Ottley; sisters-in-law, Karen Jensen, Vera Pettingill, and Ruth Kelly; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Pettingill, Thomas Kelly, and LaRue Davis.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Elba, with Bishop Thomas D. Ottley officiating. Burial will follow at the Grand View Cemetery in Elba.
Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, or from 10 until 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the church.
The family would like to thank the staff at Highland Estates Memory Care for their loving and tender care.
Willie DeBoard, aged 68, died peacefully in her home on Sunday, September 17th after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Born October 29, 1948, in Twin Falls, Idaho, she spent most of her youth in southern Idaho. She graduated from Castleford High School and then attended Boise State College.
On June 20, 1971, she married Larry DeBoard and shortly thereafter started a career in real estate escrow. Following Larry’s work, they lived in Lewiston, ID, Boise, ID, finally settling in the Portland, OR area. Willie worked for Fidelity National Title for many years, managing the Sunnyside, Oregon branch. Many of her associates and clients became close, lifelong friends.
Willie and Larry both retired in 2007. They moved to Peoria, Arizona for the winter months, and to be close to their son Brett, and enjoyed the summers in Boise, Idaho, to be close to other family members. Willie had lots of interests, but most important for her was spending time with family. Most of her family was close by when she passed.
She was preceeded in death by her parents, Ken and Maxine Patterson. She is survived by her husband Larry, son Brett (Anne) DeBoard, stepson Layne (Trina) DeBoard, granddaughters Kelsey (Jorge) Tinoco and Shelby (Austin) Ulrich, great grandson Beckham, sisters Sharon (Chuck) Mora, Roxanne (Dan) Sagaitis, Dottie (Bill) Hawkes, brother-in-law Roger (Linda) DeBoard, along with many nieces and nephews.
The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Caroline DeFrancz and the entire staff at St. Luke’s Hospital in Meridian as well as the Care Providers of Complete Care of Boise Hospice.
Per her request, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Research Society (www.parkinsonsprogress.org) or the PMD Alliance (www.pmdalliance.org).
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Willie’s memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com
TWIN FALLS — Ilene Veva Mai, 94, passed away from natural causes on Saturday September 16th, 2017 at Bridgeview Estates in Twin Falls, Idaho. Ilene was born on December 12th, 1922 to Guy and Olivia Shover in Choteau, Oklahoma.
Ilene along with her twin sister Aileen, her brother Paul and her parents moved to Filer, Idaho at a young age. Her father was a farmer in the Filer area. One day while helping in the field she met the farmer next to their farm. The gentleman’s name was Victor Mai and became her husband until the time of his passing in 1975. They were married in December of 1942 and from this marriage were born three sons, Stan, Jerry and Randy. Ilene was a farm wife and Mother first. As the boys grew older she worked for the Pickett’s at the Frosty Treat Drive In in Filer.
She then returned to business school and worked for the Child Development Center and then at the Automotive Center at Sears for many years. As she grew older her focus changed to her grandchildren and her great grandchildren who she loved spending time with. Ilene was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Filer where she served on many committees and contributed countless hours of volunteer time.
Ilene was preceded in death by husband, Victor her brother Paul and her twin sister Aileen. She is survived by her sons, Stan (Pat) Mai, Jerry (Sherry) Mai and Randy (Melody) Mai. Grandchildren: Ryan, Travis, Allison, Justin and Aaron, plus 11 great grandchildren.
Graveside service will be 2:00 PM Friday September 22nd at the Filer Cemetery. Ilene’s wish was to be cremated. Friends and family are invited to place memory mementos in the Urn vault.
Memorial donations can be made to the United Methodist Church 318 Union Ave, Filer, ID 83328.
The family would like to thank the staff at Bridgeview Estates, with a special thanks to Nurse Marilyn.
TWIN FALLS – Harriett Hall Waters passed away peacefully surrounded by family members at her son’s home in Twin Falls, Idaho September 17, 2017. She was born June 9, 1924 to Riley and Mina Bitton Hall at home near Annis, Jefferson County, Idaho. She was the 7th of 9 children. Her mother passed away when Harriett was 4 years old. Her oldest sister took over the responsibilities of Mom. They were taught while they were young to work and help out around the house and farm.
She attended school at Annis Elementary and graduated from Midway High School. She was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the age of 14 along with her father and 2 other sisters in 1938.
Harriett met the love of her life, Delbert Waters, at the roller skating rink in 1942 and was married May 12, 1944 in the Logan LDS Temple. Seven months later Delbert was shipped to Fort Roberts, California for boot camp. She hitched a ride with a gal and shared living arrangements in California while Delbert was in camp. She worked at JC Penny’s while she was there.
Later after Delbert was deployed in the war, she returned home to Idaho Falls and worked at Montgomery Ward. After Delbert was honorably discharged in 1946 they continued farming. Debi was born in May of 1947. In June of that year, they drew a farm at the Hunt Relocation Camp in Jerome County, Idaho. Thus began their lifetime adventure. That first Christmas morning she woke up to snow on her pillow. She had to stuff rags into the cracks in the windows before she would fix breakfast for Delbert.
They had 5 more children in the next several years. Greg was born in August of 1950, followed by Randy in August of 1952, Harold came along in April of 1955 with Burke coming in May of 1959, and then Tim in June of 1962 completing their family. Harriett was room mother for all of her kids in school and supported all their church and school activities.
Harriett worked right alongside Delbert on the farm. She helped hoe, thin and dig beets, hoe beans, take care of the livestock, irrigate, and although she did it, she hated driving truck. She also fixed many meals for everyone that was there helping out on the farm for many years.
Mom and Dad loved to travel to see their children and many other sites. Some of her favorite memories were camping with the Hall and Hunting families at reunions.
She had many hobbies. She loved gardening, raising flowers, embroidering, and making Books of Remembrances for all her children and grandchildren. She loved to quilt and made many quilts and gave most of them away. She was also known for her homemade Christmas candy. She was very particular about her yard and flower beds. Up until she passed away, her yards were beautifully manicured. For many years she had people stop at the house and want to get flowers to make bouquets for Memorial Day and also asked for starts of her many flowers.
Her first job after her children were in school was working at the elections polls in the Eden Precinct. Then she worked for the Jerome County Extension agent searching out all the peach trees in the county checking for aphids. The last job she held was watering plants at Moss Green house for 14 years. It was a dream job for her to be able to work and care for beautiful flowers.
Harriett was preceded in death by her parents, Riley and Mina Hall; all of her siblings: Eva Davey, Jay Hall, Bertha Hardcastle, Audrey Hunting, Blaine Hall, Dora Jockumsen, Lorraine Jacobsen, and Don Riley Hall; the love of her life, Delbert Enos Waters; her son, Greg Waters; granddaughter, Toni Waters; great granddaughter, Cloe Smith; and great grandson, Keaton Howard.
She is survived by her children, Debi Waters of California; Maureen Waters (wife of deceased son Greg Waters) of Utah; Randy Waters (Jeanette) of Hunt, Idaho; Harold Waters (Merilee) of Twin Falls, Idaho; Burke Waters (Luanne) of Hunt, Idaho; and Tim Waters (Linda) of Hunt, Idaho; 26 grandchildren and their spouses; 51 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a viewing Friday September 22, 2017 from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Hazelton LDS Church on Middleton Ave. Services will be held Saturday September 23, 2017 at 11:00 am also at the Hazelton LDS Church with a viewing beginning at 10:00 am before the service.
We want to thank the daughters-in-law for all the help and support they gave helping Mom to get to doctor appointments, taking her to ball games and so many other things. We also want to thank Debi for calling Mom every Sunday night to check on her, as well as helping Mom take such good care of Dad for 6 months before his death. Thank you to our good friends and neighbors for all the compassion they showed with food, phone calls and visits. Thank you so much.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Harriett’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.
BURLEY — Dorene Terry Seigal, age 76, of Burley, died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Parke View Care and Rehabilitation Center.
Dorene was born on Jan. 26, 1941, in Fillmore, Utah, to Otis Harold Terry and Annie Nelda Dimmick Terry Cook. She attended Delta High School in Delta, Utah, graduating in 1959. Dorene married Stephen Grant Talbot in March of 1961, they later divorced. In 1977, she married Charles L. Seigal; he passed away in 2003.
She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout her life she served her church in various callings and capacities. Dorene served a three year church service mission at the Burley Family History Center, where she enjoyed helping families with genealogy and family history work.
Dorene loved riding horses in her younger years and also enjoyed sewing, crocheting and oil painting.
During her life she lived in Las Vegas, Nev., Beaverton, Ore., and Burley, Idaho. While living in Las Vegas, she worked as a fire dispatcher, a fire inspector, and as a realtor.
Her surviving family includes her four children, Sherie Lyn Talbot Goold (Samuel), Pennie Rae Talbot Hancock (James), Tery Stephen “Steve” Talbot (Dana), and Tamara De Talbot Cassell (Robin); 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Raymond Jack Terry (Jeanne), Darla Ann Terry Ausman, Creta Terry Johnson (Steven), Mont “Jay” Cook (Cathy), and Mary “Helen” Cook Schena (Ree).
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles L. Seigal; and two brothers, Merlin “Bud” Terry and Gerald “Jerry” Terry.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Burley 2nd Ward, 515 E. 16th St., in Burley, with Bishop Walter M. Graham officiating.
A viewing will be held from 10 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church.
Burial will be in the Fillmore Cemetery in Fillmore, Utah, at 12 noon, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.
WENDELL — Roselyn Christine (Geiger) Sabala was born September 19, 1972 to John Geiger and Jo Cluff at Mountain Home Air Force Base. She passed away on September 11, 2017. Chris went to school in Jerome, ID graduating in 1991. She finished her education at D & L Academy as a nail technician.
Chris is survived by her daughters, Jade Haga of Chubbuck, ID and Brooke Haga of Pocatello, her parents John Geiger of Wendell and Jo Cluff of American falls.
There will be a memorial service September 23 at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church in Wendell. Chris will be laid to rest in Uniontown, Washington.
Frank Robert “Bob” Stark passed away peacefully September 12th, 2017. He was born June 27th, 1939 in Salt Lake City to Frank and Yvonne Stark, and was the oldest of six children. He called Bountiful, Utah home for most of his early years, where his parents established themselves and their Main Street businesses. Bob served an LDS mission in Sweden, and later met his Swedish beauty, Dorothy Holmström, in Bountiful. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1963. Bob began preparing for his business and finance career by studying at Weber State, then working in California, Arizona, Kansas City, and Utah. In 1974, his skills finally took him to Southern Idaho to manage finances for a farm chemical company. Bob was a perfect fit for rural Idaho, where farming and agriculture became his passion, matching his love for cars. Kimberly is where he and Dorothy raised their family and made lifelong friends. Bob was known throughout the community, and in 1991 became managing partner of a seed production company, renaming it Kimberly Seeds International. Inheriting his entrepreneurial talent from his parents, Bob grew the company into a major global seed production company. This provided the opportunity for he and Dorothy to travel the country and the world over. Bob’s friendly personality made it easy for his clients to love him and Dorothy like family. Bob loved his community and church, where he always made himself available to serve. Mostly, Bob loved his family. He was the best son, brother, husband, and father this world has known.
He is survived by his eternal companion, Dorothy, their children, Jennifer (Bob) Willis, Michael (Susie) Stark, Laura (Colby) Manwaring, Rebecca (Dave) Winans, Chaunda (Jeremy) Biggs and Derrik (Jen) Stark. Bob’s posterity includes 22 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. His example of selfless service will live on in each of them. He is also survived by brothers Spencer (Sheri) and Rick (Nola) Stark, and was preceded in death by brothers Gregory and Bruce, sister Karan, and his parents.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 23rd at 11am at the Country Crossing 6th Ward building at 11173 South Copper Point Way (3200 West), South Jordan, Utah, with a brief viewing at 10am. Family and friends are invited to gather from 6-8pm on Friday, September 22 at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel 1007 West, South Jordan Pkwy. (10600 So). Interment Bountiful City Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com
MERIDIAN — Clara Talbot, age 98, died peacefully Sunday morning Sept. 17, 2017, in Meridian Idaho. She was born Dec. 4, 1918 in Hazel, Idaho to Thomas Earl and Agnes Martin Matthews.
Clara married Dean Mason Talbot on May 11, 1940. They were married for 46 years until his passing in 1986. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple in 1950.
Clara was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many positions throughout the years. A highlight of her life was serving with her beloved husband Dean in the Boise LDS Temple. After his death she continued to serve for 22 years. It was her salvation after she lost the love of her life.
Clara was an educator and taught school for many years at Ustick Elementary. She was a great inspiration to many children throughout her career.
Clara was also a great inspiration to her family. She is greatly loved by all of them. Those of you who knew her know that she was one classy little lady right up until the end of her life.
Clara is survived by two daughters, Judy Ann (Eugene) Fuller of Boise, Rise Jan (Larry) Stoldt of Meridian, and one son, Earl Dean (Jean) Talbot of Boise. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and 9 great-great grandchildren. She is survived by several sister-in-laws, one being her best friend Kerma Larsen of Layton, Utah.
Clara was preceded in death by her husband Dean Mason Talbot; her parents, three brothers, Rex, Max, Grant, and one sister, Geraldine.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where friends and family may call from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Gem Memorial Gardens in Burley.
The family would like to thank the staff at Your@Home for the wonderful and loving care they have given our mom for the past year. Also thanks to the hospice group that has been so attentive to her especially our dear nurse Gayla. Our hearts are full of gratitude to you all.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary fund or to the charity of your choice.
Graveside services are scheduled for September 23, 2017, 11 a.m. at the Jerome Cemetery.
TWIN FALLS—Fred L. Simpson, 85, of Twin Falls passed away Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Twin Falls, ID.
He was born August 6, 1932 in Mitchell, NE to Lyle C. and Dorothena Masterson Simpson. He graduated from Mitchell High School in 1950. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1952 and after an honorable discharge he attended school in Colorado where he met his wife to be Jeanne Jennett. They were married in Englewood, CO on June 30, 1956. To this union they were blessed with 3 children; Terri, Jeff and Renee.
He graduated from Colorado State College and moved to Arco, ID for his first teaching job. He was on his third generation of Arco students when he retired in 1998. During that time he was principal of Butte High School for seven years, and a Butte Middle School principal for six years. He taught all math courses plus physics, physical science, P.E. and driver’s ed. During his forty years he coached football, basketball and track. His track teams were the district champions for thirteen years out of his fifteen years of working with them. He also coached summer league baseball, community basketball, little league football and wrestling and swimming for 12 years to some 900 people of the Lost River. He served on the 6th District Board of Control for extracurricular activities for 6 years. He was chairman of the Board of Control for 2 years. He also served on the lEA Board of Directors for 4 years. He was awarded the Public Service Award in 1961; the Outstanding Public Award in 1977 and received a Certificate of Recognition from the State Department of Education in 1992. He was especially proud of receiving Honorable Mention in Idaho for the N.A.S.A. Teacher In Space Program. He devoted many years and a lot of his time and energy to the students and the community of the Lost River Valley. He accomplished many things during his 40 years of teaching, plus meeting 2 goals in his life, getting his pilots license and living to see the millennium. In 2013 they left their home in Arco and relocated to Twin Falls.
Fred is survived by his wife, Jeanne, of 61 years. Daughter, Terri (Keith) MacKenzie of Boise, son, Jeff (Lisa) Simpson of Arco and daughter, Renee (Dale) Eldredge of Fairfield, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, One brother, Stan Simpson of California and one sister-in-law, Irene Shields of Mitchell, NE. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
The family would like to thank the staff at Visons Hospice and Brookdale Assisted Living for their professional help.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Fred’s name to Lost Rivers Senior Citizen Center, 555 S. Water Street in Arco.
A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at Reynolds Funeral Chapel, 2466 Addison Ave. East, Twin Falls with Deacon Jim Herrett reciting. A Funeral Mass will be held at noon on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at St. Edwards the Confessor Catholic Church, 161 6th Ave. East, Twin Falls with Fr. Mike St. Marie celebrating. A Christian Burial will then be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Arco at 4 p.m. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Marines Honor Guard and the VFW Post #7137.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.reynoldschapel.com.
BUHL—Born to Joseph and Helen Grosserhode of Buhl. Francis passed away at the Grosserhode farm from lung cancer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Joe and sister Catherine. He is survived by his sister Mary.
To My Life Long Friends
Jim Stewart
Greg Gulick
Sam Miller
Lance Lecenby
Dale Hoskins
My Heartfelt Gratitude
Thank you, Francis
Services are pending and will be announced at a later date.
TWIN FALLS – ZoeAnn Shaub died on September 13, 2017 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
ZoeAnn was born March 1, 1934 in Twin Falls Idaho to George & Ethel Warberg, along with her twin sister SaraLee (Sally). ZoeAnn and Sally also had older twin siblings, William and Willetta. She grew up in Twin Falls and graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1952. That same year she was crowned the first Miss Twin Falls. She went on to win the title of Miss Idaho and participated in the Miss America pageant, where she won a scholarship in the talent portion for her speech. With an interest in law, ZoeAnn worked for an attorney while in high school with the dream of becoming a lawyer. She used scholarship money from the pageants to earn her degree, attending junior college at the College of Idaho and finishing her degree at Linfield College. ZoeAnn went on to law school at Stanford University. She was 1 of 6 women in her class and became the first female probate judge in Twin Falls County at the age of 26.
She met her husband, Dr. Roy O. Shaub, while skiing in Sun Valley, Idaho and they married in 1962. They had three children, Timothy, Suzanne, and Jill. After 8 years on the bench, she decided to stay home and raise her children. The family enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and skiing and spent a great deal of time at their second home in Ketchum. The Shaubs shared many memorable vacations with their life long friends, Harold & Thelma Brown. ZoeAnn and Roy also enjoyed hosting friends at the Sun Valley Jazz Festival. She loved to cook and collect antiques.
ZoeAnn was actively involved in the community over the years, serving on the board of United Way, YMCA and various other organizations. She was also a member of PEO. She had a love of music, especially classical. She spent hours on end playing the piano throughout her lifetime. She shared her love of music with her daughters, who also played the piano as children. While raising her children, she took a brief hiatus from playing the piano, but when the children were grown, she took it up again and began taking piano lessons from her life long friend Teala Percin. ZoeAnn was very active. She and Roy played tennis with friends and she also walked many miles around the mall with Sally and with dear friend Karla Broeder around the neighborhood.
ZoeAnn was very accomplished and played so many roles throughout her lifetime; devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, judge, mentor, neighbor and friend. She touched many lives and we’ve heard countless stories from people whose lives she impacted while she was a judge or when she volunteered for the pageants. She will always be remembered by those she knew and loved.
ZoeAnn was preceded in death by her parents, George Warberg and Ethel Chandler; husband Roy Shaub and brother William Warberg. She is survived by her sisters SaraLee Warberg and Willetta Warberg; children Timothy Shaub, Suzanne (Brian) Cavanagh and Jill (Dave) Elam; grandchildren Heather Callen, Joel & Dylan Shaub, Henry & Scott Cavanagh, and Hunter & Cooper Elam.
A celebration of ZoeAnn’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 22, 2017 at Reynolds Funeral Chapel, 2466 Addison Ave. East in Twin Falls. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the charity of your choice in her honor. Contributions may be given to funeral chapel staff at services.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.reynoldschapel.com.
Join us in celebrating the long life of Mildred Rose Esquivel, who passed away on September 7, 2017. Rose was born in Oroville CA. Her father, Maroni Jacob DeGraw, and mother, Mable Alice VanNatta, welcomed their 9th of 10 children on March 25, 1927. Before Rose’s 10th birthday the family would move to Jerome, Idaho, where she would spend the rest of her life in the Magic Valley.
Rose worked for Idaho Frozen Foods and Roger Brother’s Seed in Twin Falls. She loved growing trees and was known for her beautiful flower gardens that emphasized her favorite flower and name sake, red roses. She loved country music, walks to the store with her grandkids for candy, camping and logging with family at pole creek, and visits to church.
Rose had 2 children; Rose Marie Wall and Robert Alan Esquivel. In her lifetime she was loved by 2 kids, 9 grandkids, 25 great grandkids, 14 great great grandkids, and 3 great great great grandkids. She was preceded in death by her daughter Rose Marie; and her brothers Albert, Alvin, John, and David; and her sisters Larena, Oma, May, and Fern. She is survived by her son Alan, and younger sister Josie Miller.
Thanks to Creekside Residential Care Center in Jerome for the care provided to Rose.
Rose’s Service is Monday, September 25 at 2 p.m. at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home in Twin Falls. The address is 2551 Kimberly Rd, Twin Falls, ID 83301. There will be no graveside service.
BOISE—Mary Catherine Thompson passed away peacefully on September 13, 2017 in Boise, Idaho surrounded by loving family members. Mary was born on April 12, 1932 to David Brown and Gladys Kenton Douglas.
She was raised in Tuttle and Hagerman and graduated from Hagerman High School as her class Salutatorian. In high school Mary played basketball and baseball, worked on the school paper and attended Girls State in 1949. Following graduation in 1950, she began a long work career that included varied jobs and was interrupted intermittently by marriage and children. In late 1950 she met and was swept off her feet by J.E. (Jay) Thompson whom she married on August 12, 1951. In 1952 the first of four boys, Rick was born, followed by Jim in 1954, David in 1956 and Gary in 1960.
Mary remained a stay at home mom for many years until the boys all were in school and she reentered the workforce. In August of 1970, Mary found her true professional calling when she went to work for the Bank of Idaho. She remained with the bank for 25 years through its many ownership transitions. She retired in 1995 and spent the next several years traveling around the country with her beloved Jay on their Honda Goldwing motorcycle. After many two-wheeled adventures, they traded the motorcycle for a boat and spent the next years traveling and fishing. Mary loved to cross stitch, crochet and knit and all of her children and grandchildren have precious gifts she made for them. She was also a voracious reader and loved music. Mary instilled a love of the outdoors and a sense of adventure in her boys. She was always accompanying them on hunting, fishing and camping trips as well as attending innumerable football, basketball, baseball and wrestling events with the boys.
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jay, her precious grandson Cody, her parents David and Gladys and her brother Kent. She leaves behind her four sons; Rick and Bonnie of Middleton, Idaho, Jim and Becky of Nampa, Idaho, David and Kim of Roseburg, Oregon and Gary and Janet of Sherwood, Oregon and a dear friend and member of the family for 33 years, Lori Schoonen; She also leaves her grandchildren Michelle and Kyle Mills of Bend Oregon, Kim and Kaehl Dale of Boise, Dave Thompson of Boise, Jennifer and Justin Humphries of Nampa, Jeff and Maggie Thompson of Boise, Pat Thompson of Boise and Stacie Thompson of Sherwood Oregon, along with five great-grandchildren Baker Mills of Bend, Bridger Mills of Bend, Kayla Humphries of Nampa, Regan Dale of Boise and Ryker Dale of Boise.
A memorial service will be held at the Gooding United Methodist Church 805 S. Main St. Gooding, ID at 11 a.m. on September 23, 2017. In lieu of flowers or memorials, Mary asks that you call a friend, invite them to lunch, to go shopping or some other activity that you enjoy. But above all, tell someone today that you love them.
Doyle Eldredge, deeply loved son, brother, father, and grandfather made a short journey home on September 9, 2017. He was trying hard to get back to work but God had other plans for Doyle and the called him away quickly and peacefully to shine his light in Heaven.
He was born on November 20, 1957 in Twin Falls, Idaho to Burl and Betty Eldredge, the third son in a family with five children. He attended school in Kimberly, Idaho and married Linda Haas in 1976. They have one daughter, Claudia. After his first marriage ended, Doyle married Barbara Key and became the father of her three children.
He worked at the Blue Lakes Trout Farm most of his life. He was currently employed as their chief mechanic and technical advisor and his knowledge and experience was an integral part of the trout farm operations. He was the last original employee of Blue Lakes Trout Farm and was currently residing on the property south of Jerome.
Doyle was a dedicated outdoorsman and most of his free time was spent hunting and fishing. Throughout his life he remained courageous, determined, and independent. He was a simple man who rarely asked for help. He loved his family most of all and his dogs were beloved companions and members of his family as well.
Most recently, Doyle was preceded in death by his “Uncle Boo-Boo”, Alan Eldredge, but he was the first in our immediate family to pass. He was unafraid to lead the way and we thank him for his courage.
He is survived by his father and mother, Burl and Betty Eldredge, his brothers, Randy Eldredge, Greg Eldredge, and Lee(Kara) Eldredge, his sister and brother-in-law and lifelong friend, George Miszczenko, his children, Claudia Eldredge, Eric Key, Nicole Key, and Laura Coelho, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and seven nephews.
A viewing will be held at Rosenau Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, September 22. Services will be held on Saturday, September 23, at 11:30 a.m. at Rosenau Funeral Home. All who knew and loved Doyle throughout his life are invited to attend. A reception will follow the service and interment will be at the Wendell Cemetery later in the day.
Pallbearers will be Greg Eldredge, Gary Eldredge, Nick Miszczenko, Harley Eldredge, Jacob Coelho, and Garrett Eldredge.
Doyle’s family would like to thank University of Utah Hospital and all of the doctors and nurses for the compassionate and respectful care they provided in his most difficult time.
Memories can be shared at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com
BLISS — George Albert Loomis, Jr. died Thursday, September 14, 2017 of a sudden illness at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Hospital in Twin Falls.
George was born in Glendale, California on January 14, 1933 to George Albert Loomis, Sr. and Mary Jane Karnes, the first of three boys. George graduated from Whittier High School and went on to Cal-State Fullerton for Architectural Degree. After 2 years of that, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at San Pedro and Bremerton, Washington. George was honorably discharged in 1957.
George started his own custom interiors/cabinet shop working mostly in Century City, California and started his family of 2 sons and 1 daughter.
George came to Idaho on a fishing trip that changed his life. He went to work for his father, Loomis Construction and later started his own construction company.
On August 7, 1972, George married Linda Sowersby and they began a lifetime of love and fun. They managed to be very active in all things fun – camping, boating, waterskiing, golfing, fishing, hunting and trap shooting. George will be greatly missed by all who knew him and his dry sense of humor.
George is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Mark (July) grandson, Levi and granddaughter, Juleen; daughter, Becky (Michel) granddaughter, Alexandra and grandson, Nicholas; son, Steven. Also surviving is brothers, Ned and Gary; sister-in-law, Marguerite; as well as nieces, Megan and Ally; and mother-in-law, Dolores Sowersby. He was preceded in death by father and mother.
There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, September 24, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Gooding Golf Course, 1951 US 25 in Gooding, Idaho. Please bring memories only. Arrangements are under the direction of White Mortuary, Chapel by the Park, Twin Falls.
A special thank you to all who helped George in the ICU unit at St. Luke’s.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.whitemortuary.com.
TWIN FALLS — David Alfonso Leon came into this world on May 5, 1952 and left this world on August 10, 2017. He passed away at home surrounded by family after he lost his battle with cancer.
David was born on May 5, 1952 joining his parents, Alfonso and Margaret; his brother Skip, and his sisters Janice and Deni to complete the family. He grew up in Long Beach, California with many extended family members. He loved spending time with his aunts, uncles and cousins. David graduated from Banning High School in Wilmington, California where he had made lifelong friends.
David had two children; Todd, from his marriage to May and Caryssa, from his marriage to Suzi. David also acquired three daughters and one son from his marriages whom he considered his own. Jana and Elizabeth Younger became part of his family from his marriage to Alice. Apryll and Ryan became part of his family when he married Suzi. As important as the children were to him, nothing could beat his grandchildren. He loved his grandchildren and looked forward to their visits. Joesph, Joshua, Samuel, Nathan, Vaughn, Rayli, Amelia, Alex, Ashley and Emma.
David’s greatest passions after his grandchildren were golf and the Rams. He played golf as often as possible. It didn’t matter where he was, there was always a golf course he wanted to play. He played on vacation in California, Hawaii and Texas. He was always trying to better his brother-in-law Barry when visiting family. He loved watching the Rams even when they were having a losing season. He talked about being able to see the Rams play in person one last time after they moved back to LA.
David is survived by his wife Suzi; his son, Todd (Kristen) Leon and Nathan and Alexander; his daughter Caryssa; stepdaughter Apryll (Casey) Carpenter and Joesph, Joshua and Rayli; stepson Ryan (Retha) Nesmith and Samuel, Vaughn and granddaughter Amelia. A special person in his life, May Leon. His sisters Janice Eby and Denise (Barry) Frembling. His Aunt Toni and Aunt Bea. He leaves behind Jana Younger, Elizabeth Younger and Ashley and Emma. David is survived by many friends that will miss his outrageous true stories. He loved all his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alfonso and Margaret Leon, his brother Skip and his baby boy Shane.
The family would like to thank the staff at Visions Hospice who cared for David. They were wonderful and so supportive of all his family and friends.
Cremation Arrangements were performed by Serenity Funeral Chapel. Thank you, Heidi, for taking care of David. His final resting place will be at Sunset Memorial Park. Family and friends will be gathering for a memorial on September 30, 2017.
IDAHO FALLS — Lewis M. Hall, 76, of Idaho Falls, Idaho passed away on September 14, 2017 due to complications from heart surgery.
He is survived by his wife Karen Wayment Hall and his children: Dean and (Jackie), Kent and (Jeanette), (Keith) and Juliann Farley, Kimball and (Janell), Wesley and (Stephanie), and (Marc) and DeLauna Brower. He is also survived by his 21 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Ira K. Hall and Alice Abigail Ottley, his sisters Helen Hall, Rula Ringel, Velma Vaden, Julia Dixon and a grandson Chester Lewis Hall.
Lewis was born September 24, 1940 in Jerome, Idaho and lived 76 wonderful years full of dedication and service to the Lord. He had a deep and abiding testimony in the reality of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for all. He served in many areas of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but his favorite calling and the one he took most to heart was that of missionary work. He served two full-time missions with his lovely bride of 57 years and treasured those months of service. He continued to serve as a ward missionary when his health required a less active role but he worked tirelessly to fulfill all of his callings. He loved everyone and made friends and touched hearts wherever he went. He was a loving father who taught by example how to work hard, be good and always be on time. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all those who knew him.
The family will visit with friends on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 from at 6:30-8:00 pm at the Idaho Falls 21st Ward LDS chapel located at 1155 1st Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho. On Thursday September 21, 2017, in the same location, they will again visit with friends at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. under the direction of Hawker Funeral Home.
Interment will be at Fielding Memorial Park located at 4900 South Yellowstone Hwy, Idaho Falls, Idaho.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund at ldsphilanthropies.org/missionary or you can mail a donation to LDS Philanthropies Missionary Fund, 15 East South Temple, 2nd Floor East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hawkerfuneralhome.com
Mike Hutchings, age 68, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2017. He courageously fought a nine month battle against pancreatic cancer.
Mike was born September 6, 1949, in Bonne Terre, MO to James Robert and Alberta Gertrude Hutchings. At age 5 his family moved to Phoenix, AZ. He was the oldest of four siblings. He loved sports. Growing up he played baseball, basketball and football. As an adult, he played and eventually coached high school tennis. He was drafted at age 19 into the army and served in Vietnam. Upon discharge, he got his bachelor’s degree in psychology and went on to earn a master’s degree in Community College Education at Northern AZ University. In 2005 he earned his doctorate in Strategic Leadership at Regent University.
Mike married his true love, Diane, in 1977, and they had an amazing 40 years together. They had a blended family, both with daughters from previous relationships, Christine (Mike’s daughter) and Angela (Diane’s daughter) and had one son, Aaron, together. Shortly after their marriage, Mike and Diane moved from Phoenix, AZ to Twin Falls, ID where Mike began his career as a school psychologist. There they raised Angela and Aaron.
In 1987 Mike started Clearwater Care Center, which was Twin Falls’ first group home for developmentally disabled individuals. He went on to open The Center for Independent Living, a day program to serve this population, along with several other group homes. Mike made it his mission to ensure his employees felt valued, supported and empowered. In turn, he was greatly respected by them.
Mike’s greatest joy was being a father and Grandpa Mike, or “Papa” to his grandchildren. He loved spending time with his family and together they went on multiple adventures. Whether watching sunsets on Mexican beaches, ATVing to a mountain top for lunch, honky-tonking in Nashville, or watching a BSU football game, he was always creating memories. He will be remembered as a generous man who was full of integrity. He loved pranks, making people laugh and serving others. In recent years he endured multiple injuries, surgeries and ultimately cancer. Through it all he stayed positive and courageous with his faith and family as his cornerstones.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Survivors include his wife Diane, siblings Ron, Toni and Rene (Stephens), children Christine Shaffer, Angela Hart, Aaron (Carrie) Hutchings and grandchildren Ray, Brandon, Cameron, Kayla, Haylee, Alex, Eva, Isaac and Eliot and great-granddaughter Stella.
The memorial service for Mike will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the Twin Falls Reformed Church, 1631 Grandview Drive North in Twin Falls with Pastor Brian Vriesman officiating. Services are under the direction of Reynolds Funeral Chapel, Twin Falls.
In lieu of flowers please send contributions in Mike’s name to McKallie’s Home of Future and Hope Children’s Village in Malawi, Africa.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.reynoldschapel.com.
HAZELTON — Evelyn Marie Dunthorn, 82, of Hazelton, died Thursday, September 14, 2017 at home.
Evelyn was born June 17, 1935 to Lloyd and Hattie Rowe in Gardner, Colorado. The family moved to Kimberly, Idaho where she attended school and worked. She worked for a time at the hospital in Twin Falls. In the 50’s, she began traveling. Evelyn gave birth to her only child, Korla in 1956. They moved to Twin Falls Idaho in 1969, where she began to run her own business, caring for people in a shelter home from 1972 to 2005.
Evelyn met and married the love of her life, Lawrence “Larry” Dunthorn , in 1975. They traveled to many places around the world enjoying life.
Evelyn leaves behind her husband of 42 years, Larry Dunthorn; her daughter, Korla Walters; stepchildren, Kristie (Erwin) Prouse, Debbie Henscheid, Steve (Carla) Dunthorn; 30 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren, and one on the way, due October 16, 2017.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Evelyn was so very loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Cremation is under the direction of Serenity Funeral Chapel Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services of Idaho, Twin Falls. Condolences may be shared at www.serenityfuneralchapel.com.
MCCALL — William Frederick Winkle (Bill) of McCall, Idaho passed away September 11, 2017 in Boise. Bill was born August 23, 1928 in Twin Falls, Idaho to Leonard and Myrtle Young Winkle of Filer, Idaho. He spent his youth on his family’s sheep ranch in Filer making mischief with his four brothers.
Bill graduated in 1947 as both Senior Class President and Student Body President of Filer High School and headed to the University of Idaho. He took a brief recess from the U of I to obtain his pilot’s license and planned to join the Air Force. The US Army drafted him before he enlisted in the Air Force and he served three years in Washington DC. Upon honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to the University and in 1955 received a Bachelor of Science in Business Agriculture. Bill started his career with the JR Simplot Company in Burley, Idaho. After several enjoyable years with the JR Simplot Company, he took Jack’s advice that you always want to be your own boss. He formed Westco Martinizing and Northwest Printing with Dennis Heeb, Loren and Wayne Blickenstaff and Walter Hair.
Bill married Dolores Graves on June 14, 1952 and they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Over the years they traveled extensively, enjoying Western Europe and Australia the most. In later years, Bill and Dolores became true “snowbirds”, spending summers in McCall and winters in Palm Desert, California.
Bill was a member and served as chapter president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He credited the University of Idaho and his relationships at the fraternity for much of his success. One of his proudest moments was being presented with the Golden I.
Bill loved to share his knowledge and experience with others. One of his favorite teachings was “work hard and play harder” and over the years many adventures around Idaho were enjoyed with his sons, brothers, friends and extended family.
He was a historian at heart, writing almost daily in his journals and documenting his daily life and his opinions of the financial markets, politics and the state of the world. Every day he remarked how “lucky” he was to be an American and from Idaho.
Bill was a family man that loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Dolores; his children Susan Winkle Misura of Folsom, CA, Stewart Winkle (Jill) and Jim Winkle (Michele) of Boise; grandchildren Annie Winkle (Frank), Will Winkle, Kate Misura, Reena Misura; brothers Jim Winkle of Oak Harbor, WA and Carl Winkle (Frances) of Parma; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Leonard Winkle, Jr. and Glenn Winkle and his granddaughter, Alyssa Misura.
The family would like to express its thanks to the staff at St. Luke’s McCall, Air St. Luke’s and the St. Luke’s Boise MICU. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to your favorite charity or the University of Idaho.
Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Crane Creek Country Club from 1-4 pm. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.summersfuneral.com.
RUPERT — Eugenio “Junior” “Gene” M. Chapa, Sr., 77, of Rupert, Idaho, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2017 surrounded by loved ones.
He was born May 18th, 1940 in Caro, Michigan, the son of Eugenio and Matilda Martinez Chapa. He was the 10th of 11 children.
Gene married Olivia Faz on Dec. 29, 1962, in Uvalde, Texas. To this marriage they had four sons.
Gene was a self-employed truck driver, owning Chapa & Sons Trucking. He and three of his sons worked together for several years before his retirement. He was a self-taught musician and learned to play many musical instruments, including the 12-string guitar and bass guitar. For many years Gene and brother Daniel, performed for area crowds in their own band, Los Cascaveles.
After retiring from trucking, Gene could be found spending countless hours working on his prize possession show car, “Mr. Blvd”. He never met a stranger and loved to tell stories to anyone that wanted to listen.
Gene is survived by his wife, Olivia Chapa; four sons, Tony (Michelle) Chapa of Boise, Eugene Chapa, Jr of Paul, George (Karry) Chapa of Heyburn, and Sammy (Shanda) Chapa, Sr. of Paul; eight grandchildren, Jessica, Katrina, Andrew, Leetha, Sammy, Shelbie, Astynee, and Sophia; four great grandchildren, Marlee, Romeo, Maxon, and Ariella; and two sisters, Rosa Ramirez of Detroit, Mich. and Angela Bravo of Kaysville, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers and two sisters.
A memorial service will be held from 4:00 p.m. Monday, September 18, 2017 at Morrison Funeral Home, 188 South Hwy 24, Rupert, ID 83350.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Mini-Cassia Care Center, Highland Estates, Cassia Regional Medical Center, Intermountain Healthcare & Hospice, and Minidoka Memorial Hospital. Condolences may be shared at morrisonpayne.com
TWIN FALLS — Douglas Rex Eames was set free on September 13th, 2017 in Twin Falls, Idaho. Born to Michael Eames and Jane Searle and raised in various places in Idaho.
Douglas was a proud son, brother, husband, father and friend. A man who loved to get his hands dirty; he was passionate about tires, fishing, a good movie, and adrenaline. A superhero among men who lived life to the fullest. Never to be heard complaining, but instead pushing through life’s trials and tribulations with strength and a full heart. One of the funniest men we had the pure pleasure of knowing and could fix whatever damn thing you brought him. He left us too soon, but is now a warrior in the skies sending us the inspiration we need to beat to our own drum, be nothing but ourselves, and remain loud and proud.
Preceded in death by his grandfather Rex Taylor, Grandmother Olive Eames, stepfather Kay Searl. Survived by his wife and children, April Eames, Breanna, Taylen, Dawson, and Holland. Grandmother, Garnet Taylor. Father, Michael Eames and Stepmother Diana Eames, mother Jane Searl. Brothers, Cory, Jack, Matthew, and Buddy Eames.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up in Doug’s name at 1st Federal Bank in Twin Falls.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 18, 2017 at Reynolds Funeral Chapel 2466 Addison Ave E. in Twin Falls with a viewing for family and friends on Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Reynolds Funeral Chapel, Twin Falls.
To leave condolences please visit www.reynoldschapel.com
JEROME — Ambrosio Ramos, age 85 passed away on September 11, 2017 at the Hospice House in Jerome, Idaho. Ambrosio was born on December 7, 1931 to Clemencio and Refugia Ramos in Pharr, Texas. He married Emilia Alvarez on April 3, 1950 and together they raised eight children, Maggie (Angel) Villasenor, Grace (Ruben) DelBosque, Chris (Steve) Maestas, Rick Ramos, Sylvia (Ramiro Gomez) Ramos, Robert (Barbra) Ramos, David Ramos and Rene Ramos.
Ambrosio worked hard all his life to support his family, from working as a farm hand to driving his Semi for the JR Simplot Co. He retired in 1992 to help take care of his wife Emilia and being outside taking care of his lawn and flowers. He loved taking things apart and then watching his sons-in-law try to put them back together. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Ambrosio is survived by his eight children, seventeen grandchildren, and twenty-five great great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Matias, Johnny, Lupe, Fransica, Rosa, Connie and Contancia. He was preceded in death by his wife Emilia, parents Clemencio and Refugia, brother Alberto, sister Ramona and his great grandson, Chase Gomez.
Viewing will be held on Friday, September 15, 2017 from 6-8PM at Rosenau Funeral Home in Twin Falls, Idaho with services being on Saturday, September 16 at 10:30 AM at the Funeral Home. There will be a gathering for family and friends after the service.
Our family would like to thank Hospice Visions and the Hospice House for taking care of our parents this last few years. It was deeply appreciated.
Family and friends are encouraged to share memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com
MINIDOKA — Richard M. Allen, 76, passed away September 10, 2017, in Rupert, Idaho, from complications associated with his courageous battle against a heart condition and chronic kidney disease.
Richard was born July 10, 1941, in Burley, Idaho, to Melvin Allen and Lillian Haak. In 1961, he married Lidia Illene Trevino and from that union two children were born. They made their first home in Rupert and later moved to a farm East of Minidoka known as “Mainline Ranch”. The family resided there until 1973 when they moved to a small farm on Highway 24, near Minidoka, which was Richard’s home until his death.
As one of eight children who lost their father early in their lives, there was plenty of hardship and hard work for Richard growing up. His education did not come from books and he did not earn a single diploma or degree, but the education he received on the farm was more valuable and useful than much of the education people strive for today. There wasn’t much of anything he couldn’t fix, fabricate or weld. In his lifetime, he saw it all; from the use of horses to put up hay to today’s high-tech farm equipment. He has likely tilled, planted and harvested more of the earth than most.
Those who knew Richard would often comment on his work ethic and his commitment to his employers. He worked and managed farms for Morgan and Shillington, including “Monogram” farm, just north of Minidoka, for many years. He later worked several more years for Patterson Farms. Later in his life he worked part-time for Blincoe Farms, as well as for some of his neighbors, including Craig Hepworth and John Hansen. His favorite farm, however, was the small one he owned which he meticulously maintained and which often produced some of the best crops in Minidoka County. If you were a noxious weed on Richard’s farm, or any farm he managed, your average lifespan was typically very short.
Although he worked long and hard, his first love was his family. He provided well for them and he grew to be a valiant and committed caregiver to his wife, Lidia, who is currently suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. He provided for her until he could no longer give adequate care, due to his own health challenges. The love and compassion he had for her, as they dealt with this trial, was never greater over the 56 years they were married.
When he took time off from work, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Some of his best hunting trips were with family and friends to the Selway in Idaho to hunt deer and elk. We never tired of the amazing and hilarious stories he often would tell about these trips. His storytelling skills are “legendary” amongst those who knew him best.
Richard is survived by his wife, Lidia; his daughter, Teresa Allen (JR) Trautvetter of Pasco, Washington; his son Steve (Michelle) Allen of Sammamish, Washington; and by two granddaughters, Shay Allen and Chelsea Trautvetter (Howard) Graber. He is also survived by his six sisters, Donna (Dale) Mendenhall, Luella Allen, Virginia (Keith) Bryan, Carol (John) Campbell, Jane (Merlin) Smedley and Judy (John-deceased) Martindale, and his sister-in-law, Barbara (Gerald-deceased) Allen.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gerald.
Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing on Friday evening, September 15th, from 7:00-9:00pm at Hansen Mortuary in Rupert, Idaho. A graveside service will be held Saturday morning, September 16th, beginning at 11:00am at the Rupert Cemetery, with Bishop Sam Crane of the Acequia First Ward officiating.
We would like to thank the many family, friends, neighbors, Acequia Ward members and caregivers who helped Richard and Lidia during their trials. Our hearts are full as we remember your goodness and your service. Richard was quick to offer his help to someone in need, but was not always willing to accept that same help from others. Your persistence made an impact on his life and that of his family’s.
GOODING — Mary Jean Simis, 85, of Gooding, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 in Boise, after a long and full life as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
Mary Jean Robertson was born on July 23, 1932 to Helen and Roswell Robertson in Twin Falls, Idaho. She moved to Gooding when she was very young, where her dad started the Gooding Seed Company. She spent most of her life there, living in the well-known red brick house on Main Street.
She attended Gooding High School where she was elected student body president and graduated in 1950. After graduation, she attended college at Utah State University.
In 1951, Mary Jean married her high school sweetheart Don Simis and they remained loving partners for 66 years. After Don’s graduation from Utah State University, they were stationed in El Paso, Texas for three months and Fairbanks Alaska for two years before returning to Gooding, where their three children were born.
Mary Jean will always be remembered for her love of life, can-do attitude, optimistic spirit, love of family and friends and kind generosity for anyone who needed assistance in Gooding, the community she loved. Whenever there was a need in the community, she would be the first to pitch in and help.
A talented musician, Mary Jean played the piano and organ for more than six decades at the Gooding Methodist Church, where she also sang in the choir. She used her talents to make every Gooding Rotary Club meeting more meaningful and to bring the gift of music to local weddings and funerals.
Dinners and backyard gatherings with family and friends were always enjoyable thanks to Mary Jean’s welcoming smile and warm hospitality. These occasions were always punctuated with Mary Jean’s fine home cooking and delicious desserts.
Her children especially remember Mary Jean’s fondness for fudge. After the kids went to bed, Mary Jean would start making fudge. Eventually the smell would drift down the hallway and into the bedrooms where the kids were still awake. Smelling the sweet aroma, the kids would stick their heads out of their rooms and ask, “Mom, what’s that smell?” Mary Jean would inevitably reply, “Nothing. Go to sleep.”
Mary Jean’s life was a whirlwind of volunteerism and helping out neighbors. She was involved in numerous community activities, including volunteering for the Gooding Hospital Board and the Hospital Auxiliary Board. She also served in many leadership positions for PEO, Chapter G and the State Chapter. Mary Jean dedicated many volunteer hours to the Methodist Church in Gooding. She helped in the family business for many years while her husband and her brother, Larry, ran the company.
Mary Jean and Don were honored as the state’s School Volunteers of the Year in 2011. In 2011-12. She and Don were also named Citizens of the Year by the Gooding Elks Lodge #1745.
Don and Mary Jean had many friends throughout out the Magic Valley and Idaho, many of whom they met through the Pacific Seed Association.
After Don retired from the Gooding Seed Company in 1995, Mary Jean and Don traveled extensively – touring Russia, Israel, Mexico, Panama and several countries in Europe.
Mary Jean is survived by her husband, Don; and three children, Julie Gramer (Rod); Robert Simis (Teresa); and Richard Simis (Joan). She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Bryan (Xiao) Simis; Stephanie Simis; Rose (Michael) Cole; Anna (Brett) Halverson; Molly (Jimmy) Wilkerson; Jennifer (Lukas) Gramer; Robert Gramer; and two step-grandchildren, Ryan (Kelly) and Brad Cloyd. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Jamey Cole; Lucy Halverson; Daniel and Mia Simis, Ella Brooks Cloyd.
Mary Jean is also survived by her brother, Larry Robertson (Carolyn); sister-in-law, Nancy Mortensen; brother-in-law, Larry Simis (Lana).
She is also survived by many special and life-long friends in Gooding and the Magic Valley that she considered part of her extended family and loved very much. They will miss her greatly.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Jean’s name can be made to the United Methodist Church, 805 Main Street, Gooding, Idaho 83330; or to the Rotary Foundation.
A celebration of Mary Jean’s life will be held Friday, September 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Gooding Methodist Church.
Interment will follow afterwards in the Elmwood Cemetery in Gooding. A reception will follow at the Gooding Country Club.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com.
‘Stormin’ Norman Schnitker a.k.a., Papa, 75, of Twin Falls, died Monday September 11, 2017 at the Meridian Care Center, where he recently moved to be closer to his family.
Norman was born July 30th, 1943 in Twin Falls, Idaho to Lester and Wilma Schnitker. Norm was raised on the Salmon Tract South of Twin Falls where he worked with his beloved dad, Lester as a farmer and cattle rancher. Norm graduated from Twin Falls High School and went on to attend the University of Idaho.
Norm married Barbara Evje and had two children, Shawn & Dana. Norman loved his family, friends, cattle, and rodeo’s—both participating and watching them.
Norman was preceded in death by his older brother Darrell, and his parents, Lester and Wilma.
Survivors include his kids, Shawn Schnitker (Carleen), Dana Beal (Joe), and grandkids Ryanne (William), and Teagen, Joseph, Andrew, Joshua, and his newest and only great grandchild, Wesley Alan O’keeffe.
Norm always wanted his final resting place to be in the South Hills in the Shoshone Basin. There will be a memorial service at Rosenau Funeral Home & Crematory in Twin Falls at 11 am Monday September 18, 2017.
DIETRICH — Early Sunday morning September 10th, 2017, Pamela Louise Conant passed from this life into the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Pam was born the eldest daughter of Sidney F Edwards Jr. And Carolyn Edwards on June 13, 1950 in Jerome, Idaho. Pam attended several elementary schools and graduated from Richfield High School in 1967. She went on to study at the Gregg Business College in Twin Falls, Idaho prior to meeting the love of her live, Timothy Wayne Conant. Pam and Tim were married on May 29, 1969, in Shoshone, Idaho. Together they raised two daughters, a son, and two grandchildren.
Pam, Tim and their young daughters spent six years in O’Neil Basin on the Gilmer Ranch. In the winter of 1977 the family returned to Idaho and established their home in Dietrich until her passing.
Pam spent her life in service to others as a spud and rock picking truck driver for area farmers, aid for the Shoshone Convalescent Center, 4-H Leader and Lincoln County 4-H Assistant, High School Rodeo Director, secretary for the Dietrich Fire District, and an employee for the Dietrich School.
Pam kept score book for more years that we can count and took such good care of the coaches, teams, and officials, combine these years to the years she volunteered as a 4-H Leader, High School Rodeo Director, and seamstress and you can see how much Pam loved youth.
After retirement from the school, Pam continued to stay busy attending craft fairs where she sold scarves and wild rags. You can find many cowboys throughout the northwest that have one of her wild rags!! Pam remained active in 4-H and sports through her grandchildren and adopted grandchildren!!
In 2005, Pam was first diagnosed with breast cancer and continued to fight valiantly until the time of her passing. Some would say that cancer won but for us – she beat cancer by the way she continued to live her life with grace and unconditional love for all she in contact with.
Pam loved all of her doctors, nurses and aids from the Shoshone Family Medical Center to MISTI of Magic Valley. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for loving our mom, grandmother, and wife and for giving so much support.
Pam is survived by her husband, Timothy Conant; daughters Traci (Tracy) Perron, Tara (Alex) Hagen; grandchildren Dylan (Kaylee) Perron, Jessica (Mark) Bues, Vance (Jaycee) Perron, Kyle Perron, Ryan Perron, Thayne Hagen, Alexi Hagen, December Conant, and Coyote Conant; parents Sid & Carolyn Edwards, brothers Butch (Kelly) Edwards and Gayland (Cindy) Edwards, sisters Luann (Ron) Geer and Karen (Dick) Elliott; and multiple nieces, nephews, and friends.
Pam was preceded in death by son, Cody Conant; brother-in-law, Dick Elliott; and her in-laws, Pete and Alma Conant.
The service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at 11:00 am at the Dietrich High school, with a viewing on Friday, September 15, 2017, 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Demaray Funeral Service – Shoshone Chapel in Shoshone, Idaho as well as from 10:00 am until 11:00 am the morning of the service (Dietrich).
The burial will follow at the Dietrich Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pam Conant Memorial Scholarship fund at any Wells Fargo Bank.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com.
OAKLEY — Cowboy William roped a wild steer to heaven, doing what he loved best, cruizin’ the mountains of Oakley, rockin’ out with his buddies, on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017.
William was born January 9, 1997, in Burley, Idaho, to Lenard M. Wells and Tiffany Dawn Smith Wells. He grew up in Oakley and graduated from Oakley High School in 2015. He was a member of the LDS Church and graduated from seminary. William was a phenomenal wrestler, placing two times at state wrestling and was a three-time district champion. He was also good at rodeo and he loved to team rope. He enjoyed hunting, shooting guns, fishing, leather work, roping, and simply hanging out with his friends and family.
God put Willy on this earth to be a cowboy. You could tell when he was on a horse that this was his passion for life. When William walked into a room with his crooked smile, he brought joy to everyone in it. Anyone who knew William knows all he needed in life was a horse, a gun, a rope, a bedroll and his family to be at peace; for he was a “Simple Kind of Man.”
He is survived by his parents; his brother, Riley Mitchell; sisters, Chelsea Wells, Kelsey Wells and Charly Wells; grandparents, Tomas K. & Carrie Ann Smith, Rodney & Debra Hammond, and Edith Wells; great-grandmothers, Dolores Kelsey, and Cherry Mae Smith; many aunts, uncles and cousins who all loved him dearly; along with little KaiLee Smith, whom he considered a niece.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, S. N. & Buehla Smith, Robert J. Kelsey, and William H. Wells; and his great-aunt, Denise Kelsey.
The family would like to thank all those who have shown their support through kind gestures, thoughts and prayers in their behalf.
The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Oakley High School old gymnasium, 455 W. Main St., with Bishop Kevin Morrison officiating.
Friends and family may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., Burley, and at the high school one hour prior to the service.
MALTA — Cleta Louise Taylor Whitaker, 74, of Malta, Idaho passed away Saturday, September 9, 2017, surrounded by family at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah from complications associated with Multiple Myeloma Cancer.
Cleta was the youngest of four daughters. She was born on December 4, 1942, at the family home in Elba, Idaho, to Glenwood and Susan Barker Taylor. Cleta attended Elba Elementary through the fifth grade and sixth-through-eighth grade at Malta Elementary & Junior High. She graduated Valedictorian of her class in 1961 from Raft River High School.
On August 7, 1964, Cleta married her high school sweetheart, Denton LeRoy Whitaker, in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. They purchased a farm south of Malta, where they raised crops, cattle, and horses and ran the family milk truck business, along with the family ranch in Elba.
Cleta graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from BYU-Provo in 1965. She did her student teaching at Raft River High and started teaching there on a provisional in 1964. In 1986, she received her Masters of Education in Counseling and Guidance from Idaho State University. During her 39 years of service, Cleta taught Home Economics classes and P.E. classes. Throughout her teaching career, she was the advisor for FHA, Yearbook, R Club, Rodeo Club, Ski Club, Natural Helpers, and Student Council. She coached track and led the girls team to five consecutive state track championships from 1996 to 2000. She received several awards for Excellence in Teaching for the state of Idaho and was inducted into the Idaho High School Activities Association Hall of Fame in 2014. She received many letters from former students over the years thanking her for the guidance she provided as the counselor. She retired in 2003, but because of her love for kids, she continued as a substitute teacher and subbed until 2014, when she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma Cancer.
Cleta was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served in many callings; her favorites included serving in the Primary and Young Women’s organizations.
Cleta enjoyed traveling, playing piano, cooking and sewing, skiing, flat track and cutter/chariot horse races, and all sports; but her greatest joy, was taking care of and spending time with her husband and family. She was proud of the many accomplishments of her family and was involved and attended anything her children and grandchildren participated in. She was so excited for the arrival of she and Denny’s first great-grandchild, who was born on their 53rd wedding anniversary last month.
Cleta is survived by her husband, Denny; and their two sons, Travis (Jennifer) Whitaker and Cassidy (Amber) Whitaker—all of Malta; grandchildren, Taylor (Grant) Stevenson of Paul, Idaho, Taryn Whitaker attending Utah State University, Tani Whitaker attending BYU-Idaho, Trace Whitaker, Tate Whitaker, Treg Whitaker, Laci Whitaker, and Tegan Whitaker—all of Malta; great-grandson, Rhett Stevenson of Paul, Idaho; sisters, Glennette Brackenbury of Albion, Idaho, Donna Harper of Burley, Idaho, and Vera (Jack Hutchison) of Provo, Utah; sisters-in-law, Sharon Hutchison of Malta, and Renee (Denny) Ward of Burley, Idaho; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Cleta was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Susan Taylor; parents-in-law, Wayne and Lois Whitaker, brothers-in-law, Gerald Brackenbury, Tinker Hutchison, and Art Whitaker; sister-in-law, LaRene Whitaker; and a granddaughter, Timber Whitaker.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Malta Ward church, located at 280 N. 1st St., in Malta, with Bishop Dallan Spencer officiating. Burial will follow at the Valley Vu Cemetery in Malta.
Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church.
The family would like to thank Dr. Miranda and his staff at the Burley Infusion Center, and Dr. Atanackovic, Janet Weidner, and Mary Steinbach at the Huntsman Cancer Institute for all of their love and care for Cleta over the past three years. They would also like to thank the many family and friends who helped take her to her appointments and treatment during this time.
RICHFIELD — Edwina Despain Archer of Richfield, Idaho died Sunday, September 10, 2017 in Shoshone, Idaho.
Edwina was born January 10, 1930 in Joseph City, Arizona to Seymour Elmo Despain and Thea Westover. She attended BYU where she met the love of her life, Warren Archer, and was later married to him in the Salt Lake Temple. They celebrated her 65th wedding anniversary seven days before her death. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in which she held many callings including president of the Primary, Young Women and the Relief Society organizations.
Edwina and her husband served a mission to Adam-ondi-Ahman. That was a treasured memory for her. She was very loving, thoughtful and kind to all she met. There was no doubt about how she felt about her country with all the red, white and blue in her home. She always wanted to send people who came to her home with something – no empty hands. She will be dearly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Norma Hansen; brother, Sheron Despain; and grandson, Rex Tree.
She is survived by her husband, Warren; and children, Warren II, Allison Tree, and Cal and Audrey Archer; sisters, LuJean Morgan and Ardeen Simmons; brother, Weston Despain; 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held Friday, September 15, 2017, 12 noon, at the Richfield Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with time for family and friends one hour prior to service. A grave dedication to follow at Richfield Cemetery.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Edwina’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.
HANSEN — Carol Bowles, 77, of Hansen, Idaho died Thursday morning, September 7, 2017 at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah.
Carol was born on October 25, 1939 in Twin Falls, Idaho the daughter of Les and Ida Peterson. She grew up and attended schools in Hansen, Idaho.
On June 1, 1958 Carol married Dean Bowles at the Hansen Methodist Church.
In later years, Carol and Dean moved to May, Idaho where they had a ranch for 13 years. They spent a few years in Challis, then moved to the Magic Valley where they lived in a number of locations during the years. They finally settled in Hansen.
Carol was a member of the Rock Creek Community Church in Twin Falls. She enjoyed reading, traveling and playing on her kindle. She also loved working as a volunteer at the hospital. She did this for eighteen years.
Carol is survived by her two daughters, Loretta Bowles of Hansen and Melanie Newbry of Twin Falls and one sister, Virginia Hill of Jerome. Also surviving Carol are her cherished grandchildren, Tricia Climer, Ashley Newbry and Michael Newbry. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean and her parents, Les and Ida Peterson.
A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Rock Creek Community Church, 262 5th Ave. East, Twin Falls with Pastor Mark Browne officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. A viewing for family and friends will take place on Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Reynolds Funeral Chapel, 2466 Addison Ave. East, Twin Falls.
The family suggest memorials be given in Carol’s name to Make a Wish Foundation or Rock Creek Community Church. Contributions may be given to funeral chapel staff at the services or mailed to Reynolds Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 1142, Twin Falls, Idaho 83303.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.reynoldschapel.com.
BOISE — Carol Ann Romig, 79, Boise, died Wednesday, the 23rd of August after a courageous battle with cancer. Carol was born December 25, 1937 in Heyburn, the daughter of Ona & Elmo Foster. She attended schools at Heyburn and was a member of the 1st class from Minico High School. She married Lester A. Romig on June 1, 1961 in Burley. Les was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on Oct. 2, 1977. Carol was also a member of the Presbyterian Church where she sang in the church choir for many years, helped with bulletins, and worked as a treasurer for the church’s women’s group. She was a talented sewer and painter. She enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening as well as spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her two daughters, Tina (Greg) Toolson, April (Jim) Cramton, and six grandchildren; Ryan (Michelle) Toolson, Nathan Toolson, Joshua Ackley, Morgan Ackley, Caleb (Gabrielle) Ackley, and Logan Ackley. She was preceded in death by her only sibling Lyle Foster.
An urn placement service will be held at the Riverside Cemetery in Heyburn, ID at 11:30am on Saturday, September 30th. Afterwards, a celebration of life luncheon will be held at Henry’s DriftInn in Rupert at 1:00pm.
Cremation services are under the direction of Morrison Payne Funeral Home, 321 East Main Street in Burley.
BURLEY — Lavera Mae Shipp, age 91, of Burley, died Sunday, September 10, 2017, at Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center.
She was born May 4, 1926, in Hay Springs, Nebraska, to John Shipp and Antoinette Etta Peters Shipp. After graduating from high school in Hay Springs, she and her sister Lauretta enrolled at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Alliance, Nebraska. After completion of the three-year course, they became registered nurses in 1947.
While yet in Nebraska, they nursed at Alliance, Chadron, and Scott’s Bluff before relocating to Ketchikan, Alaska to nurse. Lavera later moved to Portland, Oregon where she worked as a pediatric nurse for many years. After retiring from her nursing career, she moved to Burley, Idaho, where she spent the remainder of her life.
Lavera was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a kind and compassionate soul who was always there when someone needed help. She was loved by her family and she will be missed.
She is survived by her brothers, Laurence Shipp of Miles City, Montana, and Raymond Shipp of Pennsylvania; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Etta; brothers, Richard and Stanley; and her twin sister with whom she nursed many years, Lauretta.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Parke View for the excellent care they gave to Lavera in her final years.
The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Burley West Stake Center, located at 2420 Parke Ave., with Bishop Kerry McMurray officiating. Where friends may call one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery.
Services have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.
PAUL — Verna Lucille (Lind) Firth, 90, of Paul, Idaho passed away September 7, 2017 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born December 27, 1926, in Brigham City, Utah, to Raymond August and Verna Larue (Hansen) Lind and was welcomed home by her older sister, Amy Marie. When she was only two years old, her mother died and she became her “daddy’s” shadow. Some of her fondest memories included helping him on their ranch in Lynn, Utah. A few years later her dad married Mildred (Barlow) Lind and three more siblings were born into the family; Elden, Anita, and Nila.
She attended first through eighth grade in a one-room school house in Lynn, then continued her studies at Box Elder High School in Brigham City. She graduated from Oakley High School in Oakley, Idaho.
On January 30, 1948, she married John Ray Firth in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple and together they had seven children: Linda Rae, Verna LeAnn, John Kent, Connie Gay, DawnL, Raymond, and Paul Derrell. They lived and worked on their ranch in Lynn until they moved to Tremonton, Utah to be closer to schools. After a few years when the kids got older they settled on a small farm in Paul, Idaho. Her love for the ranch continued through-out the rest of her life. If she wasn’t busy at home she was busy at the ranch.
She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as Primary President and Relief Society President as well as many other callings, and was a faithful visiting teacher.
She had a love for animals; horses, cows, chickens, cats, and dogs. She was very talented and passed her talents on to her children and grandchildren. She would crochet, bake the best bread, cookies, and egg cake; garden, quilt, embroider, and was also a very good artist. She has painted and drawn many beautiful pictures.
She is survived by her children, Linda R. Zollinger, Connie G. (Reid) Smith, DawnL (Frank) Poole, Paul D. (Kati) Firth; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Firth, 32 grandchildren; and 27 great- grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Ray Firth; her daughter and son-in-law, Verna LeAnn and William G. Neibaur; her sons, John K. Firth and Raymond Firth; son-in-law, Wade Zollinger; great-grandson, Demian Neville; and her sister, Amy M. Babbitt.
A very special thank you “ tack ska du ha” from the family to Tiffany Anderson, Dr. Brian Muir, and all those who helped take care of mom these last few years.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Paul Stake Center, 424 W. Ellis St., in Paul, with Bishop Kerry Sanford officiating. Burial will follow at the Paul Cemetery.
Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and one hour prior to the service at the church.
TWIN FALLS — Raymond Dewayne Lockhart, 92, of Twin Falls, died Sunday, September 10, 2017 at Woodstone Assisted Living in Twin Falls.
Ray was born September 28, 1924 to Raymond Lockhart and Blossom Crist Lockhart in Clayton, New Mexico. Shortly after his birth, Blossom died. Ray was raised by his extended family for several years. His father remarried and Ray gained two sisters, Fran and Jane, and a brother, Bill.
Ray grew up in Clayton where he went to school and played basketball and football. He experienced the “Dust Bowl” on May 29, 1937. The family moved to Los Angeles, California in 1941.
Ray enlisted in the Army during WWII and was an ambulance driver with the 585th Motor Ambulance Company. He experienced the horrors of war and was able to save some individuals from Buchenwald Concentration Camp.
Ray returned to Los Angeles December 11, 1945. He met his future wife, Louise Schuit, on a blind date. They were married May 3, 1946 and had two children, Lance and Christine.
After moving to Lancaster, California in 1953, family outings, Little League, and 4-H took up much of their time. During this time, Ray worked for the Suburban Gas Company.
In 1965, the family moved to La Grande, Oregon. They continued with sports and showing their quarter horses in 4-H and open shows. Ray worked at Borden Chemical and retired in 1989.
Ray and Louise resided in Summerville, Oregon and he continued to ride his award-winning cutting horses and still managed to find time for square dancing with Louise and enjoying time with his friends. Ray especially loved his property that would be filled with local wildlife.
Ray moved to Twin Falls, Idaho in 2015 to be closer to his daughter.
Ray is survived by his daughter Chris Turner-Gabbert, son-in-law Tom Gabbert, granddaughter Amanda Scruggs, great-grandchildren Emma, Abigail and Jakob, his brother Bill Lockhart, and sister Jane Middleton. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Lance, his wife Louise, and his sister Fran.
Ray was strong-willed, hard-working, and kind. He always had a mischievous twinkle in his eye for those he loved.
Per his wishes, there will be no services, and his ashes will be scattered at a later time.
Cremation is under the direction of Serenity Funeral Chapel Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services of Idaho, Twin Falls. Condolences may be shared at www.serenityfuneralchapel.com.
Liz (Heron) and Jack Betty wish to announce the passing of their son, Blake Christopher Heron, 35, star and recipient of the Young Artist Award of 1997 for the movie “Shiloh” based on the Newberry Award winning book. Blake resided in La Crescenta, CA with the love of his life, Chanel Panagiotopoulos and their four-footed baby, Lemmy. Blake was born on Long Island in Rockville Centre, NY on January 11th, 1982 to Liz and Walter Heron, both from New York. Blake was naturally athletic, a gifted artist and a generous friend and family member. Always loving, trusting and big-hearted, Blake saw the good in all he interacted with.
He is recognized by his existing family members, his mother Liz(Heron) Betty, step-father Jack Betty, step-siblings Cassandra/Bryan Hansen of Layton, UT, Nicole/Heston Williams of Riverton, UT, Jeremy/Tesha Betty of Jerome, ID, father Walter Heron, grandmother Mildred Levy, Uncle Ted/Carla Wright, cousins Michael Wright and Nikki Stamper, grandparents Melvin/Ingrid Betty, Aunt Pat/Riz Neeser, Uncle Tom/Michelle Betty, Uncle James/Toni Betty, all cousins and everyone who considered Blake a brother/son/father. He is loved and will be dearly missed by us all.
Blake spent the first seven years of his upbringing on Long Island, NY. He demonstrated his desire for acting during this time and once went on a mass audition at Madison Square Garden. In addition to attending plays, Blake also attended many concerts which developed his interests in music. Blake learned to ski and surf before moving to Marietta, GA.
Once Blake moved to the south, he began his quest for acting. His engaging nature brought him the attention of a talent agency and Blake signed with “Kiddin’ around” in Atlanta, GA, thus beginning his career in Hollywood. Blake’s first tv show, Reality Check, helped lead him to a role in the movie Andersonville, directed by John Frankenheimer. In 1995, after filming Tom & Huck, Blake officially moved to Los Angeles with his mother to continue his acting career.
In 1997, Blake’s most memorable movie was released, Shiloh for which he earned a Young Actors Award. He was also involved in the following productions: for TV, Reality Check, Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher, The Cybill Show, Pickett Fences, The Guardian, Early Edition, It Ain’t Easy, Family Law, G VS E, Secret Service Guy, Boston Public, ER and NCSI: NO. Movies include: Andersonville, Tom & Huck, Trilogy of Terror, Shiloh, Journey of the Heart, Into the Sun, Wind River, Waves, Don’t Look Back, Cheaters, 11:14, Blast, We Were Soldiers, Dandelion, and a Thousand Junkie’s.
A cele”Blake”tion service will be held on September 16, 2017 in Los Angeles. Formal service will be on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. in Twin Falls at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Rd, Twin Falls, Idaho. Those who wish may share memories and condolences on Blake’s Memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.
BUHL—Elmer Jack Hunt, 86, of Buhl, passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2017, at his home.
Elmer was born on May 6, 1931 to Nephi Ralston and Edith Wilma Hunt in Melon Valley, Buhl, Idaho. He received his elementary education in Melon Valley and attended Buhl High School.
Elmer worked on the farm and attended business college in Twin Falls. He joined the U.S. Army on the 26th of February, 1952 and served in the Caribbean. In February, 1954, he joined the Army reserves and on the 25th of February of 1960, he opted out of the military with an honorable discharge. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a two-year mission for the church in the Southwest Indian Mission in New Mexico. After returning from his mission, he went back to working on the farm and ran a dairy. He was a farmer and a dairyman all the remainder of his life.
Elmer is survived by by seven brothers and sisters, Norma Brown, Clarence Hunt, Iris Jaynes, Wanda Huffaker, Alene Jaynes, Nina Karel and Gene Hunt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nephi Ralston and Edith Wilma Hunt and two sisters, Juanita Hunt and Edith VanSickle.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Thousand Springs Ward, 501 Main St. in Buhl. A time of viewing will be held between 10:00 and 10:55 a.m. prior to the service, at the church. Arrangements are under the care of Farmer Funeral Chapel of Buhl, Idaho.
GOODING—Val “Dusty” Dains, Jr., of Gooding, Idaho, passed away in Twin Falls after a brief illness on Friday, September 1, 2017 at the age of 91.
He was born on April 15, 1926 in Council Grove, Kansas, the son of Valchor Valson Dains and Ruth Kendall Bellus. One of six brothers and two sisters. He went to school in a one room school house in the little town of Helmick, Kansas.
He was the beloved husband of Harriett Brownell Dains of over sixty years.
As a very proud naval man, the kids woke each morning to “Rise and shine, time to hit the deck with both feet running”.
He served his county for two tours of duty during WWII. His dad signed him up after his eighth grade graduation. He gained many skills on his tours of duty. He told stories of bringing back 500 German prisoners of war and also helped tow a captured German submarine to Norfolk, VA.
He spent most of his life’s work as a millwright at LeFeill’s and Allens/Magic Valley Packing Company in Gooding and also installed kill floors throughout the United States. In appreciation for installing a kill floor, he was made an honorary member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. He was also the neighborhood go to mechanic wherever he was.
He is survived by: a daughter, Valerie Dains; a son, Randy and wife Claudia; a brother, Jack Bellus and wife, Susan; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones too numerous to mention.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Harriett; a son, Douglas; and a daughter, Judith.
A special thank you to Diana Dubois who was his caregiver and friend.
There will be a memorial bench placed at the Elmwood Cemetery where the urns of Val, Harriett, Douglas, & Judi will be placed. Valerie and Randy to follow, hopefully not too soon! A little piece of the whole family will be together once again.
A celebration of life with military honors will be on Saturday September 16, 2017 at 1 p.m. at the Elmwood Cemetery in Gooding. After the graveside service Val’s grandson will lead out from the cemetery riding Val’s 1966 Harley Davidson Electroglide. The family asks to please follow and join them for a pot luck at the Side Track in Gooding after the service.
Funeral and cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com.
Robert “Randy” Randolph Head, 76, passed away Friday, September 8, 2017 surrounded by his family at St. Luke’s Hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, September 15, 2017 at Hansen Mortuary. Viewing for family and friends will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 14, 2017 and for one hour prior to the services at the mortuary. Services will conclude with Burial in the Paul Cemetery with Military Honors by the Mini-Cassia Veterans. Services are under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary. On line condolences may be left at hansen-mortuary.com
Edith Fay Tinker , age 77, of Boise, Idaho passed away peacefully at Warm Lake, Idaho on August 21, 2017. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend to many. Born July 28, 1940 in Havre, Montana to Ernest Jewell and Edith Hickethier Jewell. Fay was the youngest of three children. As a child, she enjoyed 4-H, horses, learning to cook with her mother, playing the piano and clarinet and driving the truck for her dad. Fay attended schools in Havre, Montana where she was active in choir, band, pep club and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. It was in Havre where she met the love of her life Larry Elwin Tinker.
A loyal wife of 59 years, Fay was a good sport as she accompanied Larry in moves from Havre to Cut Bank, Montana, as well as stops in Arco, Kamiah, Weiser and Gooding, Idaho. Fay kept herself busy raising her three children Bret, Lorie and Brad while supporting her family working in a variety of jobs. She cared for neighborhood children in Cut Bank, Montana. She was an elementary and high school secretary in Arco and a legal secretary in Kamiah. Fay worked at St. Benedict’s Hospital in Ontario, Oregon and for Dr. Giever in Weiser. While in Gooding, she worked at St. Benedicts of Jerome, the Walker Center and also for family physician Dr. Smith.
Fay had several passions in life, but her greatest joy came from her family and spending time together. She loved baking, cooking, chalking ceramics, embroidery, sewing, crocheting, looming, volunteering at the Presbyterian Church, Bible Study Fellowship, Lady Lions, bowling, board games and playing cards. She was actively engaged in her children’s sporting events and extra-curricular activities. In their later years Fay and Larry enjoyed being Arizona snowbirds, traveling to Hawaii, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Glacier Park, Canada and taking several cruises. While at home she was an expert at Wheel of Fortune, pinochle and caring for her dogs Casper and Tucker.
Fay is survived by her brothers Robert (Marlene) and William (Martha) Jewell of Montana, daughter Lorie Hoff (Trey), and sons Bret Tinker and Brad Tinker (Michele) of Boise. Fay has seven grandchildren, Brandon Tinker (Mandan, ND), Michaela Chaplin, (Brody), Melissa Hoff, Michael Tinker (Danielle), Caether Hoff, Kyle Hoff (Trisha) and Taos Tinker all of Boise. She also has four great grandchildren: Broxton Chaplin, Jace Tinker, Tinley Chaplin and Brooks Tinker. Fay was preceded in death by her husband Larry Tinker, mother Edith Mae Jewell and father Ernest Jewell.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to the many doctors and care givers throughout Fay’s life. A special thank you to Grace Assisted Living and the Life Care Center of Boise. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Foothills Christian Church at 2pm. 9655 W. State Street, Boise, Idaho 83714. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Fraternal Order of Eagles at https://www.foe.com. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.summersfuneral.com.
BURLEY—Carol Thompson Powe was born in Burley, Idaho on July 4, 1938 and entered into rest on August 29, 2017 in Burien, Washington. Death came as a blessed release for her after a hip replacement and months of medical misjudgments.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Emma Thompson, her sister, Marjorie (Mrs. Loren) Miller, and her three brothers, Dick, Herbert, and Arthur Thompson, and her ex-husband Delmar Powe.
She is survived by her niece Beverly Wallace, and nephews Bill and Ed Thompson, and Dan Miller.
Carol grew up on a farm in Burley, Idaho. She was ten years old when her father died.
She moved to Seattle and worked at the Bon Marche department store. Later she worked as a care-giver where she assisted many people.
Carol loved to garden and beautify her home. She had a generous heart and shared what she had with the needy. She was much loved and will be missed by her friends.
“March rolls around and I can’t keep my nose out of the seed catalogs or my hands out of the dirt.” By Carol Powe
A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Gem Memorial Park in Burley. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.
OAKLEY – William Howard “Bill” Wells, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home on the evening of September 5th, 2017.
Bill was born on January 22, 1932, to Harold Gilbert Wells and Alice Mae Miller Wells. He grew up in Oakley, Idaho, until the summer of 1952, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He spent two years stationed in Austria. When he arrived home, he met Edith Gay Heiner and after a short courtship, they were married August 11, 1955, in Elko, Nevada. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Idaho LDS Temple, on March 4, 1964. Bill was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Bill and Gay ranched in Oakley for 60 years. They raised Angus-cross cattle, alfalfa hay, horses, dogs and kids. Bill always felt very fortunate that he could make a living doing the very things that he loved to do. Bill loved his family. He was supportive of his children and grandchildren and attended as many of their activities as he could. His kind, gentle nature and his quiet example of hard work and integrity have influenced the lives of many people. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Bill’s surviving family includes his wife, Edith Gay; and their six children, Kelly (Darlene) Wells of Oakley, Richard (Marsha) Wells of Buhl, Sandy (Chris) Poulton of Oakley, Lenard (Tiffany) Wells of Oakley, Alice (Dean) Reno, of Paul, Billie (Guy) Tolman of Twin Falls; twenty-five grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters and their husbands, Velma (Wayne) Boothe of Spanish Fork, Utah, and LuDean (Don) Prentice of Moses Lake, Washington.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept 16, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Oakley Stake Center, 355 N. Center Ave., with Bishop Jim Cooper officiating. Burial will be in the Oakley Cemetery with military rites performed by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.
A visitation will be held at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where family and friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Sept 15, and at the church from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday, prior to the service.
HEYBURN—Frances Meldean Taylor Son, 84, of Heyburn, passed away Sunday morning, August 27, 2017 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho, after a sudden stroke and heart failure. She was a vibrant and active lady all her life.
Meldean was born December 20, 1932, to Melbert and Thelma Barker Taylor in a two-room log cabin in Elba, Idaho during the heaviest storm of the winter. When she was about two months old, she became very sick after a sleigh ride in the snow to her grandma’s house ten miles to the south, in Almo. Her grandmother kept her throat clear by putting her finger down her throat. Dr. Slater diagnosed her with a form of meningococcal croup, with the first stages of diphtheria, and gave her a medicine that he normally would not give a 12 year old. Neighbors and Relief Society sisters gave her around-the-clock care, some using their old home remedies, mustard poultice, potato peelings, cool water cloths and much prayer. After more than a month, her parents took her to the doctor and she was doing much better. The doctor shook his head and said he hadn’t expected her to live and that it wasn’t just the medicine that saved her—it was a miracle she survived.
When Meldean was two years old, the family moved to the Muddy Ranch, which was 30 miles south of Park Valley, Utah. In the Fall of 1936 they moved back to Almo, where she attended first grade at the Almo School. Then the family moved to Albion, so she attended grade school at the Albion State Normal College. Her teachers were students studying to be teachers as a profession. It was at the Albion College where she gained a lifelong love for music, the piano, art and an unquenchable thirst for reading, inspirational quotes, and learning. She transferred that love of learning to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When high school age, the family eventually moved to Heyburn. She graduated from Heyburn High School in 1951 as Salutatorian and Editor of the Panther Yearbook. She later became the historian for the Heyburn Alumni reunions for many years. Growing up during the Depression made her strong, resourceful and resilient. She believed in hard work, recycling everything, not wasting anything, and appreciating everything that anyone did for her.
On February 14, 1951, she married her high school sweetheart, Forrest O. Son, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. They were married just before midnight because of the number of weddings that day. Meldean always dreamt about being married on Sweetheart’s Day. The newlyweds first farmed a little 40-acre farm, as well as some rented land in Heyburn. Then, another miracle happened; Forrest was the third person drawn, but the 1st World War II Veteran from Idaho in attendance, for an 80-acre homestead. Because he was there at the Rupert Square, he also got extra awards. He had first choice and picked land with the tallest sage brush, since that indicated the best soil. The young family with two children built a basement house, farmed, and built the house on top as they could. They felt lucky to have won land of their own, but also felt like they more than earned it clearing off sage brush, taming the powdery dust with the new well water, and working the land to raise the first crops the land ever produced. Meldean worked as hard as Forrest, mostly in the home and yard, but drove trucks and farm machinery when she needed to and raised her seven children. She had a “super green thumb” and always had a beautiful garden, lawn and flowers. She also became a highly skilled seamstress and taught her daughters these skills too. She could sew or crochet, and alter and repair anything, including suits, coats, and wedding dresses. She was truly a pioneer of her time, in every sense of the word.
Meldean was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was the first in her family to join the church as a convert at eight years old. She could never imagine a life without going to church and taking her family with her. She faithfully served in many positions, to include teaching adults in teacher training classes, and Cub Scout Den Leader for many years. But, her passion was genealogy, serving as a Family History Consultant at the Family History Center all day every Monday for most of her adult life, where she was still serving at time of her death. Her children spent many picnics at many cemeteries around the world, and joked that they knew why “sand”wiches was spelled like it was since many of the cemeteries visited didn’t have much grass, but plenty of sand and dirt. Her children knew the inside of many family history libraries and archives, often searching names on microfilm and records simultaneously. She especially loved it when the missionaries came into the Family History Center to send emails home. She loved to connect them with their families and help them find their ancestors or relatives in the area.
Meldean always considered her profession, and joy, to be raising her seven children on the two dairy farms north of Rupert and Paul, Idaho. She was always engaged in whatever activities her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were involved in. She loved being a 4-H leader, PTA president, Den Mother and all-around cheerleader to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved animals and had horses, cats, dogs and two pet geese that would come when she called them. She had fond memories of traveling with family and friends to Germany, France, Holland, Hawaii and many states to visit family and friends. She would do almost anything to help her grandchildren, and most anyone else she came in contact with. However, she was most interested in teaching others how to do something, not just doing things for them.
She became the matriarch of this great family after the passing of her sweetheart and eternal companion almost 28 years ago. Since then Meldean has led her family, being an inspiration to everyone for her courage, hard work, desire to serve, talents and abilities, unending energy as a genealogist, and deep love for her family and the Lord. She never lost sight of what was important in life and focused on those things. She was constantly amazed with the Lord’s hand in our lives and how most everything worked out. She was, and still is in many ways, a steady force for good.
Meldean is survived by six of her seven children, Cary (Sheila) Son of American Fork, Utah; Angela (Jerry) Albertson of Burley; Margaret (Rowland) Bingham of Heyburn; Meredith Hunt of Burley; Steve (Rosemary) Son of West Lafayette, Indiana; Stacey (Valerie) Son of Dallas, Texas; and son-in-law, Ricke Weickum of Puyallup, Washington. She is survived by 27 grandchildren: Vanessa, Richard, Tiffany, Teisha, Tara, Jennifer, Trevor, Mandy, Brett, Cassie, Bryce, Andrea, Cambria, Nicole, Britney, Bryan, Cameo, Jacob, Forrest, Garrett, Melissa, Mikayla, Cheyenne, Eli, MiKaye, Parker, Jackson. She is also survived by 51 great-grandchildren, Sean, Seth, Saxon, Samantha, Ryker, Decker, Jaden, Landon, Brooklyn, Mason, Ethan, Bronco, Shelby, Ryan, Emmalee, Jared, Layklynn, Anna, Landon, Baylee, Brock, Quinn, Lila, Victoria, Shayla, Lexi, Charlcey, JR, Taylor, Kenzie, Jace, Riley, Rori, Austyn, Kegan, Caitlyn, Liam, Declan, Makayla, Colton, Richelle, Gavin, Morgan, Aubrey, Preston, Beckham, Abigail, Mckenzie, Atreyu, Nova, David and there are two more on the way. Meldean is also survived by her brothers, Vearl (Saundra) Taylor of Heyburn, Ferris (Karen) Taylor of Draper, Utah; sister, Juanita Taylor (Robert) Brady of McGaheysville, Virginia; and sister-in-law, Marion Son (Robert) Baird of Idaho City.
Meldean was preceded in death by her husband, Forrest O. Son; parents, Melbert and Thelma Barker Taylor; parents-in-law, Othniel W. and Margaret Simms Son; and recently, her daughter, Marsha Son Weickum; and son-in-law, Russell Hunt.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 16, at the Paul LDS Stake Center, 424 West Ellis St. in Paul. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Heyburn.
Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, September 15, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St. in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church prior to the service.
Meldean left a beautiful legacy to her large family. In honoring her example, we will love, pray, serve, honor, reflect, be courageous, stand for truth, and keep moving forward with faith as she did. As her grandson, Jacob reflected, “After visiting, Grandma Son would say, ‘So long’ instead of ‘Goodbye’, because goodbye is too permanent.’ Today we all have to say ‘so long’ for a much longer time than we ever wanted to. Helen Keller said, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love becomes a part of us.” Meldean is a very big part of those who knew her; all of her posterity and the good they do is in large part, a tribute to her. All who really knew her, loved her and will miss her.
John Harrison Woody passed on to our savior on September 6, 2017 at home, surrounded by his loved ones (human and animal).
John was born on October 22, 1941 in Twin Falls, Idaho to Elmer and Margaret Woody. He was the first born to the new family. He was later joined by sisters, Nikki and Cheryl.
He graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1959 and then went on to get his certificate of Mechanical Engineering at Idaho State University. He married Marjie Smith and they had three wonderful sons: Brent, Jeff, and Kevin. They later divorced. He then married Judy Backlund in 1986. They remained devoted to each other until his death.
John spent most of his life in the Magic Valley, a place he dearly loved. He was a farmer, cattle (Charolais) rancher, and business owner (Clover Valley Processing). He enjoyed working in the fields, being outdoors, fishing, camping, and horseback riding. He adored his pets and loved all animals.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; sisters, Nikki Lewis and Cheryl (Dave) Fitzsimmons and their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; sons, Brent (Judy) Woody, Jeff (Mindy) Woody, and Kevin (Andrea) Woody; two stepchildren; Tara (John) Nida and Darin Backlund; grandchildren, Matthew (Viviana) Woody, Michael Woody, Kandice (Christian) Jeppsen, Kyle Woody, Cameron Woody, Maddison Woody, Klayton Woody, Kaleb Woody, and Trevor (Jordan) Williams; five great-grandchildren, Roman, Presley, Ryder, Liam, and Harper. He will be missed by his fuzzy family too: Sam, Sadie, Casey, Tuxedo, and Taz.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter-in-law, Paula Woody
The family would like to thank Idaho Home Health and Hospice for all their care and compassion during his time of illness. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to go the Alzhemier’s Association Greater Idaho, 2995 N Cole Road, Ste 120, Boise, Idaho 83704.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at Amazing Grace Fellowship, 1061 Eastland Drive North, Twin Falls, Idaho. Services are under the direction of Serenity Funeral Chapel Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services of Idaho, Twin Falls. Condolences may be shared at www.serenityfuneralchapel.com.
Catherine “Cathie” B. Pepper, 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at a care facility in Pocatello, Idaho.
Catherine was born May 19, 1935, to Tom and Myrtle McClendon in Branson, Colorado.
On April 3, 1955, she married Charles E. Pepper in Raton, New Mexico. They were married for 62 years. Together they had two children, Valarie K. and Coy A. Pepper.
Cathie worked at many jobs throughout her life, but the one she was most proud of was her work as the Deputy Treasurer of Gooding County for over 25 years.
Cathie enjoyed spending time with family and friends, crafting and shopping.
Cathie is survived by: her daughter, Valarie (Paul) Petersen of Pocatello; granddaughter, Kristene R. Petersen; great-grandsons, Baylor J. and Dempsey P. Henderson of Victor, Idaho; her son, Coy (Connie) Pepper of Winnemucca, NV; granddaughter, Jamie Pepper of Winnemucca, NV; sister, Joann Banks of Seattle, WA; brother Tom McClendon of Pauldin, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.
Cathie was preceded in death by: her husband, Charles, her parents and sister, Margaret Wilder.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Quinn Meadows Nursing Home, Dr. Mills and the staff at Heritage Hospice for the loving care they gave Cathie during the last stages of her life. The family also expresses their deep gratitude and appreciation to Jill Bright for her love and care of Cathie over the past three years. Jill, you made her days brighter by loving her and being there with her.
As per Cathie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at the Hagerman Senior Center 140 E. Lake St. in Hagerman, Idaho. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Rd, in Chubbuck, Idaho. Condolences may be sent to the family online at wilksfuneralhome.com.
Peggy Kroll passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2017 after a long battle with kidney failure. She was 68.
Peggy was born September 19, 1948 in Boise, ID, to Francis Bobbitt and Alaire Hamlin Bobbitt. She was the oldest of three sisters. She graduated from Borah High School in 1966. She attended the University of Idaho where she was a member of the Tri Delta sorority and graduated in 1970 with a degree in business education. After graduation, she taught high school for two years in Colton, WA, at a business college in Portland, OR for one year, and then returned to Idaho to teach at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. It was after moving to Twin Falls that she met Fred Kroll, and the two were married June 4, 1977. Peggy retired early from teaching in order to have time at home to raise their daughter, Jennifer, and to travel with Fred’s work at the Twin Falls Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
Peggy was very active in the community. She was a member of PEO, the Order of the Eastern Star, and was a Past Honored Queen and Past Grand Guardian of the state of Idaho for Job’s Daughters. She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she participated in the choir and bell choir. She loved music and singing, and was a member of the Magic Valley Chorale.
In her spare time, Peggy loved to read, garden, bake, craft, sew, and do word-search puzzles. She also enjoyed spending time with her beloved granddaughters.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, husband Fred, and infant daughter Stephanie.
She is survived by her daughter Jennifer (Matt) Sonnichsen, sisters Suzanne McCampbell and Nancy (David) Emerson, sister-in-law Barbara (Frank) Lyons, granddaughters Charlotte and Genevieve Sonnichsen, and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to all of the caregivers and friends who have showed such love and compassion to Peggy and the family over the past few months.
Funeral services will be held Friday, September 15, 2017. A viewing from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and service at 12:00 PM will take place at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider a donation to the Kroll Family Scholarship in care of the CSI Foundation or a charity of their choosing.
Lynn Evan Thomas, 79, passed away on Sept. 2, 2017, surrounded by family. Lynn was born in Burley, Idaho, on July 27, 1938, to Evan Morgan and Helene Yaeger Thomas.
Lynn grew up in Burley with his younger brother, Neal, and younger sister, Kathryn, and his parents. Even at a young age, he excelled at communications. He had a job at a local radio station, as the original “Night Rider”, a role that gained him some popularity amongst his peers. He also had a Saturday radio show in Twin Falls, Idaho for the Junior Gem Collectors. He had a great on-air voice, and undoubtedly, his sense of humor was evident. He was quite the prankster, always looking for opportunities to pull one over on someone, once even disguising his voice and calling his grandmother convincing her she’d won tickets to a show for one of her idols.
Lynn graduated from Burley High School, and then went on to obtain his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Speech from Idaho State University. He loved and excelled at debate in high school, and continued participating in debate competitions in college (in fact, he judged statewide debate competitions throughout his life). He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, where he met some lifelong friends. After completing his undergraduate education, he attended Boston University on a full scholarship, where he obtained his Master of Science Degree in Communications in 1962. It was then that he decided to join the Navy.
He entered Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and then NSCS Corps School in Athens, Georgia. He became a Naval officer in September 1963, where he served on the USS Pocono as a Disbursing Officer. During the course of his distinguished military career, he was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. After he completed his military service, he attended George Washington University Law School, where he graduated with a Juris Doctorate of Law in 1969.
Lynn started his legal career in private practice in Pocatello, Idaho, before joining the Idaho Attorney General’s office as a Deputy Attorney General in 1974. He was promoted to Solicitor General during his illustrious 23-year career with the Idaho Attorney General’s office, and even argued before the United States Supreme Court. After leaving the Attorney General’s office, he continued practicing in private practice for a period of time.
While his career kept him busy, Lynn lived a full life, filled with hobbies that he loved. He was an avid reader, an amazing gardener (his roses were like no others!), a photographer, a gourmet cook and an extremely talented woodworker. He loved listening to classical music, and would often wind down in the evening with the classical music booming, while smoking a good cigar. He had close lifelong friends that he enjoyed spending time with, and he relished spending time with family. He always made time for important life events, like birthdays, graduations, and weddings for his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He also loved Christmas, and had the most beautifully decorated trees. His gifts were wrapped to perfection, and inside were always the most thoughtful and meaningful gifts. He was a generous, loving, and kind man, and despite his supreme talent and brilliant mind, he always remained humble.
Left to honor and remember Lynn is his brother Neal (Linda) Thomas, his sister Kathryn (Paul) Piper: seven nieces and nephews and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Lynn was preceded in death by his parents, Evan and Helene Thomas, his sister, Patricia Thomas, his great-nephew, Mason Smedley, and his great-great niece, Alison Stout.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in his name to the ALS Association at http://www.alsa.org/donate/giving/gifts-in-tribute.htm. or Caldwell Veteran’s Memorial Hall Caldwell Veterans Council, PO Box 1535, Caldwell, ID. 83606 www. Cvmh-vets.org.
Services will be held at Cloverdale Funeral Home Saturday, September 16, at 11:00 a.m.
Richard Allen Clemons
October 24, 1935 – September 2, 2017
IDAHO FALLS – Richard Allen Clemons, 81, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, formerly of Gooding, passed away September 2, 2017, at Lincoln Court in Idaho Falls. He was under the care of his loving family and Encompass Hospice.
Richard was born October 24, 1935, in Gooding, Idaho, to Emmett Clair Clemons and Maisie Elizabeth Ruscoe. He grew up and attended schools in Gooding, graduating from Gooding High School in 1953. He also attended the University of Idaho where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1957.
On August 13, 1966, he married Aurelia D. Nielson in Elko, Nevada. To this union were born three children, David, Emmett and Christen. Richard and Aurelia made their home in Idaho Falls where Richard worked as a Mechanical Engineer for EG&G.
He enjoyed scouting and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He joined the LDS church on August 10, 2008, and worked in the Cub Scouts. He enjoyed metal working and welding, boating, water skiing, and scavenging in scrap yards. He was a respected and loved father and grandfather.
Richard is survived by his son, David (Brenda) Clemons of Melba, ID; daughter, Christen (Lonny) Chambers of Ammon, ID; brother, Duane (Coral) Clemons of Gooding, ID; 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Aurelia; son, Emmett William Clemons; and brother, Jackson Barry Clemons.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 16, 2017, at the Lincoln 3rd Ward, 2545 Mesa Street, with Bishop Craig Flemming officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and Saturday from 9-9:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.
On the morning of September 5, 2017, Jeri Cox peacefully left this earthly life to meet her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Mom and her twin brother, Johnny, were born January 8, 1939, to John Regadera and Charlene Hamilton Regadera in Castleford, Idaho. Mom was born Geraldine Regadera, but those who knew her quickly understood that she much preferred Jeri!
She grew up and was schooled in Castleford where she had many friends and was active in most every club and organization there was and this did not change through out her life. She married her love and soul mate, Marvin Cox in 1957 in Fort Ord, California. When Marvin completed his military training, he and Jeri started their family and raised their two daughters, Debbie and Sandy, on the family farm. The couple spent over 50 years farming and many years dairying and later devoted a great portion of their time and labor to the sheep industry.
Mom was active in Buhl Calvary Chapel, Gideon’s International, State Director of Make It Yourself with Wool, Idaho Wool Growers Association, Ladies Lead Line, was a 4-H leader, and the first woman appointed to the Twin Falls County Fair Board. She was an excellent homemaker and cook; always making tasty treats to enter competitions and share with friends and neighbors. She was an excellent wife, mom, grams, and great- grams.
Mom had a large personality and loved people: She never met a stranger. She loved her family and community so very much and was always volunteering to make a difference. But her greatest love was for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Although it is so hard to say good bye, what joy to know that she is in his comfort and peace.
Jeri is survived by daughters Debbie (Ron) Swearingen, Sandy (Chuck) Butler; grandson Jim Paulin, granddaughters Rachel (Chad) Loveland, Rhonda Faulkner, and Melissa (Edwin) Southfield; great granddaughter Victoria Paulin, and great grandsons Cayden, Colston, and Cash Loveland, and Urijah and Max Gatliff; Sisters Francis (Jack) Kennedy and Rita Ruffing; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin; parents John and Charlene Regadera; and twin brother Johnny Regadera.
A funeral service has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at Calvary Chapel in Buhl. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Farmer Funeral Chapel of Buhl, Idaho.
The family extends sincere gratitude to Visions Hospice and Desano Village for the love, care, and compassion they gave to mom over the past several months and to her many friends who would stop by to visit.
Donations in Jeri’s memory can be made to Visions Hospice, Buhl Calvary Chapel, or Gideon’s International.
Vena Carol Miller passed away on August 20th 2017 at the age of 79. She was born in Bakersfield, California to Clarence Garver Fox and Wynona Winifred Wilder Fox.
She started working at a young age and had jobs ranging from working Toy Factory to Dental Hygienist. She was an adventurous, bold, sassy, fun individual. She loved collecting elephants, gardening, camping and playing cards.
She is survived by her 6 children, 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
Her family is planning to hold a private memorial with her friends and family. Memorial is to be held Saturday, September 9th 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2628 Whispering Pine Drive, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301.
RUPERT — Lucille A. Pierce 95 of Rupert, Idaho went home to her savior, August 29, 2017. Lucille was born in Houston, Texas to Lucille D. and Claud C. Whitehurst of Kentucky on September 20, 1921.
On July 20, 1941 she married Clifton P. Smith of Lubbock, Texas; sergeant and pilot in the U.S. Air Force. During the war she worked in an air craft factory assembling fighter planes, while Cliff served in the war. Later she was a nurse in the many Air Bases they were transferred to, including France and Germany.
They had three beautiful children; Gordon (Nina) C. Smith of Modesto, California; Linda (Don) J. Kester of Rupert, Idaho and Michael Smith of California who died at the young age of 15 in 1966 in a motorcycle /auto accident.
Cliff and Lucille divorced in 1959 and she remarried in 1968 to Paul Pierce of Los Angeles, California. Paul and Lucille operated the Wayside Café and Trailer Park in Heyburn, Idaho from 1971 to 1985, making many wonderful friends in the community. Lucille has been a member of the First Christian Praise Chapel since 1994.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda, granddaughter Tracy, grandsons Paul , Jake, and Cody and several great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, brother ConLee of Texas; sister Claudia of California, sons Michael and Gordon of California.
Mom was a strong, quiet, sweet spirit that loved helping and always trusted God no matter what life brought. Her faith carried her thru a long life of good times as well as the difficult ones. Those who knew her will remember her vibrant smile, twinkling eyes and her love for all. We know that she is watching and cheering us on from the glory of heaven until we can all be united again forever.
She asks that no service be held. Private interment will be held under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary, Rupert, Idaho.
BURLEY — Johnny Anthony Meithof, age 54, of Burley, passed away Friday, September 1, 2017, as a result of a tragic accident doing what he loved most; fishing below the Minidoka dam.
Johnny was born June 18, 1963, in San Diego, California to Charles Meithof and Rosita May Garcia. In his youth he was an amazing baseball player. Johnny also loved BBQ’s, fish fry’s, and enjoyed writing poetry.
He was employed at Handy Trucklines and had earned his GED. He was a mechanic and welder having earned certifications in both. He was an active member of Narcotics Anonymous and became an active member of the LDS church after spending nearly half of his life in prison. All who knew him were uplifted by his smile and hugs and the inspirational changes he had made in his life by following the teachings of Jesus Christ. Once shackled by addictions to alcohol, tobacco, meth, and heroin, and a dark past, he miraculously rose above it all to demonstrate that anything is possible with the Lord’s help. He literally inhaled his freedom and his new life as a loving father and husband. His last heroic act was saving the life of his wife, Lori, by forcing her to the surface, which led to her survival, as he went down to pass on to the afterlife. An inspirational interview with Johnny may be viewed on youtube.com “Megan Graham change is possible”.
He is survived by his wife, Lori Meithof; his children, Sandy Jo Meithof, Skylar Meithof and Hailey Meithof; his stepchildren, Makayla Mercer and Saj Kawamoto; one sister, Desiree; and two brothers, Philip and David Meithof.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Burley 2nd Ward Chapel, 515 E. 16th St., in Burley, with Bishop Walter M. Graham officiating.
There will be an opportunity to express condolences to the family from 10 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.
Joyce Knox Anderson, 88, peacefully went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, September 5, 2017.
Joyce was born on August 19, 1929, in Wichita Falls, Texas to Grover Cleveland and Ina Lee (Satterwhite) Knox. At age 2 her family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho where she graduated in 1947. After living in Nampa, Maryland, and Boise, she returned to Twin Falls in 1972 where she lived the remainder of her life.
Joyce developed her love of telephones at a young age working with her mother at Knox Answering Services. Her phone operator career continued throughout her life and ended with 32 years of service at the Department of Health and Welfare. Joyce enjoyed cooking, spending time with family and friends, and attending her grandchildren’s numerous activities. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Joyce is survived by daughter, Karla (Rex) Williams; 7 granddaughters, Devri (Chad) McCammon, Tara (Brent) Rowland, Melanie Baldwin, Melissa (Mat) McCollough, Rachel (Matthew) Baggett, Michelle (Ashley) Smith, and Rozlynn Baldwin; great-grandchildren Chloe, Halee, Mikayla, Kendyl, Isabella, Pemberlee, Rowen, and Alexander; 3 sisters BettyJo Knox Lee, Donna Knox Hobson and Camille Knox Klucsarits; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joyce was preceded in death by husband JS ‘Andy’ Anderson; son, Thomas Baldwin; 4 siblings; and parents.
A viewing will be held at Twin Falls Reformed Church on Saturday, Sept. 9, 11:30 A.M.; funeral will follow at 1:00 P.M.. Burial following at Twin Falls Cemetery.
Those who wish may share memories and condolences on her memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls.
TWIN FALLS – Kimberly Dawn Hunter, 36, of Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away Monday, Sept. 4, 2017.
Kim was born on Dec. 22, 1980, in Burley, Idaho, to Gale B. and Beth Ann Wayment Wrigley. She was raised in the View area and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was active in 4-H showing sheep and horses. Kim attended Declo High School and graduated in 1999. While in high school, she played basketball and was a member of the high school rodeo club, where she excelled in barrels and poles. The summer after graduation, she worked for the BLM fighting fires. Later, she went to college in Utah to become a massage therapist. On July 12, 2003, she married Jeramy Hudson Hunter and they made their home in Idaho Falls with Kim working for Sam Goodys. They then moved to Twin Falls where Kim was employed at Sportsman’s Warehouse and they began their family. They were blessed with three sons, Tate, Tucker, and Teague, whom she loved dearly.
Even before she could walk, Kim loved horses. She would spend countless hours riding her favorite horses. She loved collecting an assortment of firearms, hunting, being outdoors, animals, and, her Corgi’s. Kim loved Jeramy! He was her husband and best friend. She loved Tate, Tucker and Teague with all her heart. Around her family picture she had the following, “No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. After all, you’re the only ones who know what my heart sounds like on the inside.”
Kim was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and best friend. She will be missed by all who loved her.
Kim is survived by her husband, Jeramy Hudson Hunter of Twin Falls; her sons, Tate Philip Hunter (8), Tucker Lee Hunter (5), and Teague Hudson Hunter (20 months); her parents, Gale B. and Beth Ann Wayment Wrigley of Burley; her siblings, Joshua (Megan) Wrigley of Pocatello, Sally (Russell) Edgar of Rupert, John (Jody) Wrigley of Sheridan, Ore., Wilford (Peggy) Wrigley of Burley, Bonnie (Dennis) Chase of Springfield, Ore., and Karen Brannon of Green Valley, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Wilford and Verla Banner Wrigley and her maternal grandparents, Alma Slater and Beth Dalton Wayment.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at the View LDS Church, 490 E. 550 S., of Burley, with Bishop Mike Searle officiating. Burial will follow at View Cemetery.
A visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. preceding the service at the church.
Kenneth “Kenny” Grey Blake, 65, Boise, Idaho passed away on September 4, 2017 at his residence.
Kenny Blake was born to James K. and Shirley (Weston) Blake in Twin Falls, Idaho on January 13, 1952. He grew up in Twin Falls where he graduated High School in 1970. He received three Bachelor’s degrees from Boise State University. He worked for the Idaho State Parks and Recreation for several years before retirement. He married Beth Reiergord on July 26, 2014 in Boise, where they made their home. He enjoyed golfing and fishing in his free time.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Beth of the home; daughter, Katie Blake of Boise; two brothers, Bob Blake and wife Dana and John Blake and wife Loraine; two sisters, Kathy Blake and Laura and husband Bill Baxter and many other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Life service will be at the Riverside Hotel, Boise, Idaho on the Sandstone Terrace from 2pm until 6pm, Sunday, September 10, 2017.
BURLEY — Salvador “Chicho” Ramirez Medellin, 88, of Burley, passed away Monday, September 4, 2017, at Cassia Regional Hospital in Burley.
He was born October 15, 1928, in Ballinger, Texas, the son of Guadalupe Medellin and Isabell Ramirez Medellin.
He was a migrant worker for many years and he also worked as a security guard at the Ore-Ida processing plant until he retired in 1979. After retirement, he worked for almost ten years as a greeter at Wal-Mart.
He was a member of the Little Flower Catholic Church in Burley.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Juanita Guerra Medellin. He had four children, Vivian Lee Medellin Puga (Tino), Guadalupe (Lupe) Salvador Medellin, Velma Medellin Hall (Darrell), and Jesse Medellin; seven grandchildren, Christine Puga Loop (Tom), Tracy Puga Graham (DG), Elizabeth Puga Matula (Rick), Steve Puga (Leann), Shane Butler (Tonya), Nikki Butler-Bundy, Ronald “RJ” Butler, and MaryAnn Medellin; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sister, and sons.
The family thanks Irma Niño for her selfless help over the years.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2017, at the Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, located at 1122 W. Linden St., Caldwell, Idaho.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.
DECLO — Jane May Kinsey, 59, of Declo, Idaho, passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2017. She was born July 12, 1958 in Bristol, PA. She was the daughter of John and Virginia Ellis,
She was preceded in death by her son Mark Kinsey, her sister Ruthy Greene, and her parents.
She is survived by her significant other Richard Kinsey of Declo, ID; her daughters Jennifer (Andrew) Casey and Katie (Cain) Cuevas both of Rupert, ID; her 3 step children-Kim (Scott) Simmons of Utah, Shannon (Shelly) Kinsey of Utah, and Justin (Shalan) Kinsey of Utah; her sister Virginia Mary (Russell) Toothman, and her 3 brothers-John (Bonnie) Ellis of PA, George (Janet) Ellis of PA, and Edwin Ellis of NH; 18 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Jane served 17+ years in the Air Force, where she earned the title of Staff Sgt. Early in life she really enjoyed softball and helping her family on the farm. As she grew older she enjoyed riding horses, fishing, camping, and she became an avid archer. The latter part of her life she really enjoyed prospecting.
Services will be held at Morrison Funeral Home at 188 South Hwy 24, Rupert, Idaho. The viewing will be held Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017 from 6-7 P.M. and an additional viewing will be from 9 to 9:45, the funeral will be held Friday, Sept. 8, 2017 at 10:00 A.M.
WENDELL — Naomi Mae Baker Miranda, 90, a resident of Boise and formerly of Wendell, passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Garnett Place Assisted Living in Garden City.
Naomi was born August 6, 1927 in Howard, Kansas. She came to Idaho at age 13. When she was 18 she married Norman Miranda after a two year courtship. They raised two daughters in Wendell, Idaho, where they were active members of the community.
She is survived by her daughters, JoAnn (Andrew) and Jeanne, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
A private family memorial service was held in Boise. Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Wendell Chapel.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com.
Jack Gilson, age 94, passed away on September 2, 2017.
Jack was born June 2, 1923 in his grandparent’s home in Santaquin, Utah. His family moved to Malta, Idaho when he was 6 years old. He spent his school years and early adult life in Malta and Rupert Idaho farming. He graduated from Acequia High School in 1941. He served honorably in the army during WWII, earning a Bronze Service Star, serving in the Philippines, and Korea.
Upon returning from the war Jack, courted and then married Hazel Lafever on December 22, 1946. They owned a small farm in the Acequia area for several years before relocating to the Columbia Basin of Washington State in 1953 when the Grand Coulee Dam opened millions of acres of land to irrigation. Jack and his family moved to Moses Lake and then to Warden, Washington where he owned a farm. In addition to farming, Jack worked at the U&I Sugar Beet factory in Moses Lake as well as 7 years managing the Grange Supply Co-Op in Warden.
In 1962 Jack had the opportunity to go to work in construction as a carpenter. He became a skilled carpenter where he spent the remaining 26 years of his career. The last 20 years he worked as Superintendent for Northwestern Construction of Spokane, WA. During his construction years he worked on numerous bridges and dams in the Oregon and Washington areas. With Northwestern Construction he was most proud to have been able to build a number of LDS chapels. The final chapel he built was the Stake Center for his home stake in Othello, WA.
After retirement Jack and Hazel sold their farm in Warden and returned to Twin Falls, ID where they have lived for the last thirty years. During that time he and Hazel served for 7 years as caretakers of the LDS church camp at Alturas Lake.
He was very proud to have reached the milestone of 70 years of marriage to his wife Hazel on December 22, 2016.
He is survived by his wife Hazel Gilson, his four children Louise (Al) Lough of Nampa, ID, Frank (Debbie) Gilson of Kittitas, WA, Jack (Betty) Gilson Jr of Twin Falls, ID and Clyde (Johnna) Gilson of Saint George, UT, as well as 15 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.
Services for Jack will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, September 7th, 2017, at the Temple St. LDS Church Building 2085 S. Temple Drive, Twin Falls, ID. Friends may view from 11:00 A.M. to 12 Noon at the Stake Center. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank Harrison’s Hope Hospice and Brookdale Senior Living for their kindness and genuine care for Jack.
Those who wish may share memories and condolences on his memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls.
Here, we remember south-central Idahoans who died. The photos were provided by families to accompany their obituaries in the Times-News.
Here, we remember south-central Idahoans who died. The photos were provided by families to accompany their obituaries in the Times-News.
Here, we remember south-central Idahoans who died. The photos were provided by families to accompany their obituaries in the Times-News.
Here, we remember south-central Idahoans who died. The photos were provided by families to accompany their obituaries in the Times-News.
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