Archived Marriage Records
Dorothy Mae Hastings Seymour
Dorothy Mae Hastings Seymour, beloved mother, respected teacher and a lifetime resident of the Magic Valley, died Monday, Aug. 16, 2004, at Parke View Care & Rehabilitation Center in Burley. She was 84.
She was born Aug. 6, 1920, in Buhl, the daughter of Frank Edward and Viola Mae Leasure Hastings. She attended school in Castleford along with her older brother, Alvin, who affectionately called her Dot.
She attended Albion Normal School to become a teacher and taught for several years in the Twin Falls area. She married
Robert Harold Seymour on June 18, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the same church where her mother and father married
. Dorothy and Harold lived on the Snake River where he was superintendent of Milner Dam. Together they raised two daughters, Ann, who was born in 1950, and Mary, who arrived in 1952. In 1955, Dorothy returned to teaching, first in Murtaugh and then in Burley. For the next 28 years, Dorothy taught elementary school, then junior high physical education and English and 18 years of English at Burley High School. She took great pride in the accomplishments of her students, including both of her daughters and her nephew, Carl Seymour. While maintaining a full teaching schedule, Dorothy found time to be active in the United Methodist Church and several social and professional organizations.
She obtained her bachelor's degree from Idaho State University by taking night classes and attending summer school. She also found time to garden, read widely and to bake cookies with her daughters. In 1980, Harold retired and the couple moved to Burley. In 1983, she retired from teaching. She said it was time to retire when the grandchildren of some of her first students appeared in her classes. She remained active in the Retired Teachers Association and P.E.O. until her death.
Survivors include two daughters, Mary Seymour and Ann (Reese) Jarrell; and two grandchildren, Michelle Jarrell and Thomas Jarrell, all of Las Vegas, Nev.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold on April 13, 1992; and her brother, Alvin.
A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, 2004, at the Burley United Methodist Church, 450 E. 27th St., with Pastor Darcey Gritzmacher officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant View cemetery in Burley. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Payne Mortuary, 221 W. Main St. in Burley and from 1 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the funeral on Saturday at the church. The family suggests memorials be given to the Burley United Methodist Church, Idaho Youth Ranch, or to a charity of choice.
Elmer Leroy Essig Jr.
Elmer Leroy Essig Jr. died in his home of natural causes on Aug. 14, 2004.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ida, on Oct. 23, 1993, and also, his granddaughter Celeste Marie Purin Gentry on June 27, 2001.
He is survived by his children, Marla Purin and Gary, Keith and Kurt Essig. Elmer and Ida had 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Elmer was born in Oak Park, Ill., on May 26, 1930, and grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. He enlisted in the United States Air Force when he was 18 years old. Elmer was stationed in occupied Japan for several years and then was sent back to the U.S. and Mountain Home Air Force Base where he served in the Air Police. He met his wife, Ida, one evening while standing guard at the gate. After Elmer and Ida were married
, Elmer was stationed in Banbury, England. They lived in Fritwell with a family there. He served in the military police while stationed in England. Elmer was eventually transferred back to Mountain Home, Idaho.
Elmer loved his work in the air police and was eventually assigned to the confinement facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base where he made staff sergeant and became a custodial counselor. After that he was transferred to Columbus, Miss., and his new position as corrections superintendent and first sergeant in the air police. Elmer retired from the Air Force in 1969 and moved his family back to Idaho. There he worked as a policeman, presentence investigator and then as a probation and parole officer. He also worked as a juvenile officer for a period of time and served as a veteran's service officer for Minidoka County. He spent his last years fighting Alzheimer's disease while living in Twin Falls with his son, Gary, who cared for him until he died.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 23, 2004, at the Hansen Mortuary Rupert Chapel, 710 Sixth St., Rupert, Idaho. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday evening at the mortuary and one hour prior to the service Monday at the mortuary. Burial will follow the services with military honors at the Pleasantview cemetery, Burley, Idaho. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1111 S. Orchard, Suite 200, Boise, ID 83705.
Douglas D. Kramer
BOISE -- Judge Douglas D. Kramer, 79, of Boise, died at home on August 17 after a long illness.
Doug was born in Fairfield on Jan. 15, 1925. He attended the first Idaho "Boy's State" in 1940 where he befriended future Senator Frank Church. Doug joined the Navy after graduating from Camas County High School in 1942, and was a signalman aboard the USS Makin Island in the South Pacific during WWII. After the war, he attended the University of Idaho, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1949 and Juris Doctor in 1951. Doug married
June Heller from Gooding while at the University. They had two daughters and were later divorced.
In 1969, Doug married
Kathleen Mingo Prentice. He practiced law in Twin Falls for 22 years and was an advocate for the less fortunate and tried many cases for little or no payment. He was Commander of the Twin Falls American Legion Post #7, State Commander and a National Committeeman of the American Legion, President of the District Bar Association, rated an "A" lawyer in Martindale-Hubble. He was also a member of the Twin Falls Masonic Lodge #45, El Korah Shrine, and the VFW. He was President of the Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce, one of the founders of the College of Southern Idaho and a published author.
Doug was chairman of Idaho Republican Party and a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1972, nominating Richard Nixon, and was instrumental in bringing Vice President Spiro T. Agnew to Twin Falls.
Doug was appointed by Governor Robert E. Smiley to serve on the Idaho Constitutional Revision Commission. He was also Senior Warden of the Episcopal Church in Twin Falls and served on the Bishop's Committee for many years.
Doug was elected 5th District Judge in 1974, presiding in Hailey for 11 years and serving as Administrative Judge over 8 counties. When Blaine County was badly in need of a new judicial building, Doug found the needed funds and ordered construction of the building. Inmate labor was used in much of the building to fulfill community service sentences. The county commissioners named the completed Kramer Judicial Building in his honor. Doug sat with the Idaho Supreme Court several times, and the state judiciary annually bestows the Kramer Award for judicial excellence to worthy recipients.
Doug was an avid hunter and fisherman, loved Idaho, and knew the Sawtooth Mountains well as he trapped with his father as a young boy. He had a shop full of woodworking tools and in his earlier years built furniture, and more recently carved small animals, polished rocks and made jewelry. He loved his home and his yard full of flowers. Animals were special to him, from birds and wild squirrels to his beloved pets.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; daughter Susan (John) Blumenshein and daughter Nancy Jones of St. John, Washington; daughter Theresa (Mike) Gabica of Twin Falls; son Sam (Ramona) Kramer of Boise; stepdaughter Kristine (Tom) Watkins and stepson Richard (Kathy) Prentice of Eagle; eight grandchildren and one sister, Sally Drake of Bellevue.
The family would like to thank Boise Memorial Hospice for all of your care and love. Special thanks to caregivers Dominique and Lynn. The family suggests donations to the Idaho Humane Society, the Shriners Hospital, or the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel in Boise Saturday. August 28 at 11 a.m. An open house for friends and relatives will be held at the Kramer home following the memorial.
Don Higbee
BURLEY -- "And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." -- I Corinthians 13:13
Don Bates Higbee, 95, of Paul was ushered into the arms of Jesus on Aug. 21, 2004. He passed away peacefully at Parke View Care Center in Burley after a long battle with old age.
He was born in Twin Falls on June 30, 1909. He married
Iva Blakley in 1932. In the 1930s and '40s he worked for several different farmers in the Twin Falls area until he invested in his own cream, chicken and egg business in Buhl in the 1950s.Three children were born to that marriage: Duane, Bob and Dave. They were later divorced.
In 1961, he married
Sharon Watson. She had three children, Dove, Shane and Deena, whom he undertook the responsibility of helping raise. Together they owned and operated a chicken farm north of Rupert where they raised capons and processed fly-tying feathers that they marketed throughout the Pacific Northwest. They were later divorced.
Don loved to camp, tie flies and fly fish at the sportsman's access below the MacKay Dam. He also loved to listen to the children in the Awanas Bible Program recite their Bible memory verses every Wednesday, and he never missed church on Sunday morning as long as his health would allow.
Don is survived by two sons: Dave (Judy) of St. George, Utah; and Shane of Idaho Falls; two daughters: Dove (Kelly) Kraus of Rupert and Deena (Gene) Benevidez of Twin Falls. Also surviving him are three granddaughters, seven grandsons, six great-great grandsons, three great-great granddaughters, and many friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, brother, sister, and two sons.
Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2004, at Paul Ebenezer Congregational Church with Pastor Vince Frank offciating. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Hansen Mortuary Rupert Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow at the Paul cemetery.
William L. Strain
Twin Falls
William L. Strain, former resident of Twin Falls, died Aug. 20, 2004, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Sept. 24, 1915, in Higbee, Mo. He lived most of his life in Twin Falls. He owned and operated a cream station and poultry business located on Second Avenue East. He was also a wholesale distributor for Pet Ice Cream Co. and later Meadowgold. He moved to Portland, Ore., in 1968 and operated a 7-11 store until he retired in 1978.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen Strain. Also, a son, William P. Strain; daughter, Sandra Kytola; a sister, Peggy Caldwell of Twin Falls; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Leona Strain; and two sisters, Mary Strain and Dorothy Eli.
His funeral was held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Portland, Ore.
A visitation will be held from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004, at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at 10 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park. Local arrangements under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home.
Phyllis Amanda Miller
Rupert
Phyllis Amanda Miller, age 69, of Rupert, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2004, at Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls.
She was born on Sept. 21, 1934, in Des Plaines, Ill., to Mildred Krohn, and was raised in Illinois. In later years, she resided in Utah, prior to settling in Idaho, for the remainder of her days.
Phyllis enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, playing games with family, and going for drives in the country. She loved the outdoors as well as watching figure skating and gymnastics.
She was a strong, loving and selfless mother, wife, sister and nana.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Bert Carrick; her mother, Mildred Peters; her father, Edward Peters; a granddaughter, Nicole Lee; and two brothers, Dean and Chris Blume.
She is survived by her husband, Elmer Lee Miller; her children, Roger Heilman of Utah, Becky Irvine of Rupert, Peggy Pherigo of California, Sara Miller of Heyburn, and Robert John Carrick of Burley; four brothers, Wayne Blume, John Blume, Vance Blume and Chuck Peters; two sisters, Betty Loring and Charlene Carrick; and 10 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004, at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th Street, Burley. Officiating will be the Rev. Herb C. Whitaker
Owen Lee Walters
Tucson, Ariz./Rupert
Owen Lee Walters, 50, resident of Tucson, formerly of Rupert, died Aug. 22, 2004.
Beloved son of Ruben Walters of Idaho; loving husband of Vicky L. Walters of Tucson; devoted father of David (Cynthia) Walters of Mesa, Ariz., Michael Hardy of Dallas, Texas, Roy (Reane) Rhodes of Filer, Idaho; dear brother of Hopie Goeken of Colorado, Vernon Ford of Ohio, Henry Walters of Idaho and Benjamin Walters of Idaho; and cherished grandfather of eight grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Walters.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004, at the Rupert Trinity Lutheran Church, 909 Eighth St., with Pastor David Poovey officiating.
Gerald Porter Collins
Gerald Porter Collins, husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, Gerald passed away due to congestive heart failure Aug. 2, 2004.
He was born Feb. 2, 1928, to Vern Ivan Collins and Doris Bernice Collins in Great Falls, Mont. He had two brothers, Lonnie Stout and his very beloved brother, Vern Collins.
He followed our loving mother Beulah Mae Collins who passed June 4, 1994.
He is survived by his children, Jeri Doig (Rod), Vern A. Collins (Connie Jo), Janet Cole (Rex), Larry Bergstrom (Shelly), Oscar Bergstrom and Shirley Wallerstadt. Also his 15 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by all of his very good friends in Hollister, Idaho, where he resided, who prayed and watched over him and his home.
Dad loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping with his family. He also loved golfing with his sons. He will be greatly missed.
A wake in his honor will be held at 1 p.m. Sept. 4, 2004, at 2046 Hillcrest Drive, Twin Falls, Idaho. At the home of his daughter Jeri and son-in-law, Rod Doig. All friends and family are welcome to attend.
Alice Kay Thompson
Alice Kay Thompson, 58, beloved wife, mother and friend passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2004, in Phoenix, Ariz., with her loving family by her side.
Alice was born on Jan. 25, 1946, in Wendell, Idaho, to Mr. and Mrs. James David Griggs. She was raised by her grandmother, Kathryn "Katie" Godby, of Shoshone. There she attended school and later graduated from Shoshone High in 1964.
She married
Barry Charles Thompson of Gooding on Aug. 18, 1969. They would have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary the day after her passing. They made their home in Gooding and raised two daughters, Evette Lea Owens, (Ryan) and Shayla Dawn Thompson.
Not only was she a loving, devoted wife and wonderful mother, she was a successful cosmetologist for 22 years. She also worked for the Gooding School District and Gooding Memorial Hospital as a cook. Her passions in life were her family, friends, cooking and traveling. She has spent the last few years traveling across the western United States with her husband. Outside of her health ailments, she enjoyed life to the fullest. It was the "simple pleasures" in life that always made her smile.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents, aunts, uncles and her father.
If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I would walk right up to heaven and bring you home again, we'll miss you, love family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m.Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004, at the Demaray's Gooding Chapel in Gooding.
Elva June McCann
Jerome
Elva June McCann, 75, of Jerome, passed away quietly in her sleep on Aug. 26, 2004.
She was born Jan. 29, 1928, in Jamestown, Idaho, the daughter of Charles Dellis Winward and Thelma Mae Stoddard Winward. Elva was raised in the Burley area and attended schools there. She moved to Jerome with her family in 1969. Elva worked hard all of her life. She managed the Stinker Station in Jerome for many years, worked for United Oil and also worked as a care provider.
Elva enjoyed crocheting, painting and she had a passion for geology. She said her greatest success in life was her children and their families.
She is survived by her children, Sally Anne (Gregory) Bell of Rupert, Marcia Mae (Charles) Thornock of Pocatello, Clifford Lee (Esther) Bryson of Portland, Ore., Clyde Grant (Donna) Bryson of Layton, Utah, Norma Kay (Jim) Schuck of Jerome, Corrinne Thelma (George) Oppedyk of Buhl, Connie Rae (Charles) Blessing of Gilbert, Ariz., Delphia Dawn (Jeremy) Hill of Jerome and Ruby Lorean (Jeremy) Everett of Jerome. She is also survived by five sisters and one brother; Ella Patchett, Naomi (Leonard) Young, Mary Ruth Platt, Glenda Rae Hilyard, Valeta Joy Naegle and DeWayne (Karen) Winward; 28 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by three husbands, Ralph Grant Bryson, Johnney Ted Harrell and DeSota McCann; one son, David Lynn McCann; and one brother, Richard Winward.
Elva's family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff of the Cottage at Bridgeview Estates for the love and kindness extended to their mother and family.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004, at the Heyburn cemetery, Highway 30, Heyburn, Idaho. Arrangements are under the care of Farnsworth Mortuary and Crematory, 1343 S. Lincoln, Jerome, ID 83338.
