Burley

George William Rose, age 84, of Burley, passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 2010, at Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center.

He was born Oct. 22, 1925, in Preston, Nevada, the son of George Leslie and Ethel Marie (Jensen) Rose.  He received his elementary education in Milner and Murtaugh, and graduated from Twin Falls High School.  Between his sophomore and junior years of high school, he was drafted into the United States Navy.  He served during World War II aboard the USS Casablanca. Following high school graduation he completed his studies in agriculture at the University of Idaho in Moscow, graduating with a bachelor’s degree.  He married Emma Caroline Hankwitz on Aug. 24, 1963 in Sunnyside, Washington.  While living in Washington, George spent his working career as a soil conservationist and retired in 1983.

George was baptized a member of the United Methodist Church in Sunnyside, Washington, by Pastor “Bill”, and upon moving to Burley (to be near his sister, Gaye Young), he was active in the Burley United Methodist Church.  His greatest hobby was photography.

He is survived by his siblings, Leora Mae Olson of Boise, Maxine (Bill) Molyneux of Picabo, Gaye (Ralph) Young of Burley, and Charlene (Larry) Carson of Juliaetta.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one brother, John Hans Rose; and a sister, Ellen Anna Doss.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 4, at the Burley United Methodist Church, 450 E. 27^th St., with the Rev. Karen Puckett officiating.  Military rites will be provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans and Auxiliary.

At his request, George will be cremated and his remains will be placed at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Kennewick, Washington, next to his beloved Emma.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the Burley United Methodist Church or to the Parke View Care Center Volunteers (to be used for the Memorial Rose Garden).

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home in Burley.

Burley

Audrey L. Stapley Harper, age 85, of Burley, passed away on Monday, April 26, 2010, surrounded by her  children.

She was born July 28, 1924, in Oakley, Idaho, the daughter of John Charles and Eliza Ann Tanner Stapley.  Upon graduation from Oakley High School, she attended Saint Maries of the Wasatch College and Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she received her degree as a registered nurse.  After graduation, she returned to the Burley area to care for her mother who was ill.  It was during this time that she met and married her eternal sweetheart, Darrell K. Harper.  For him it was love at first sight.  He told his friend the night after their first date, that he was going to marry her.  They were married on Jan. 12, 1947.  Their marriage was solemnized in the Mesa, Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 25, 1948.  They lived in Paul, Shoshone, Los Angels, California, and Hamilton, Montana, before returning to the Burley area.

She was busy raising a young family and supporting her husband in a new business, when she received several requests from a desperate director of nursing to just work a few days a week as a special nurse.  She relented to a part-time, temporary, position at the hospital.  That short-term job turned into a long and fulfilling career.  In 1986, she retired from Cassia Memorial Hospital and Medical Center having served for 25 years, of which 20 years were spent as director of nurses.  Nursing was a way of life for her and many lives were touched during her career there.

Following her retirement, Darrell and Audrey enjoyed many wonderful trips together.  They were able to tour Argentina, Fiji, Israel, Guatemala, Mexico and Hawaii.

Audrey was active in the LDS Church where she served in many different callings throughout her life, but the calling she cherished most was that of mother and grandmother.  She was a powerful force for good in the lives of her family.  Her example of service and love will be remembered for generations.

She loved to cook and was famous for her delicious rolls and raspberry-peach jam.  She enjoyed working in her yard and caring for her beautiful flowers.  She had a talent for writing and being able to express herself on paper.  It was impossible for her to sit and watch anyone do anything for her.  Her joy was truly in serving others.  She was most happy when surrounded by her family.  She made every holiday special and created traditions that will live on in her children and grandchildren.

Special thanks to Dr. Owens, the ICU staff and all those who participated in her care these last few weeks.

Survivors include her children, Kathleen (Tom) Garrard of Burley, Joan (Dan) Majors of Eagle, and Ken (Rebecca) Harper of Burley; two sisters, Nellie Hill of Twin Falls, and Arita Adams of Cedar City, Utah; 18 grandchildren; and 43 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Darrell Harper, on Aug. 28, 2000; her son, Bruce R Harper, on Oct. 28, 1975; one great-granddaughter, Adelyn Marie Darrington, on Oct. 24, 2007; her parents; three sisters, Lavella Pace, Velva Rout and Donna Cunningham; and one brother, Archie Stapley.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 1, at the Pella LDS Church, 160 W. 400 S., of Burley, with Bishop Mark Mabey officiating.  Burial will be in the Paul Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16^th St., Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the Cassia Health Care Foundation, Inc., in care of Rasmussen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 878, Burley, ID 83318.

Twin Falls

Winona Stocking Rasmussen, age 89, of Twin Falls, formerly of Springdale, passed away Monday, April 26, 2010, at Bridge View Estates in Twin Falls.

She was born Dec. 24, 1920, in Blackfoot, Idaho, the daughter of Burdette Ruben and Mary Frances (Ison) Stocking.  She graduated from Declo High School.  She married Glen W. Rasmussen on April 11, 1939, in the Logan LDS Temple.

Winona worked for several years at Ore-Ida Foods in Burley, and Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls.  However, her greatest accomplishment was showing her love to her husband and children through her talents of being a wonderful homemaker.  She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, painting, and traveling throughout the Western United States with her husband.

She was an active member of the LDS Church having served as a Primary president and teacher, and in genealogical extraction.

She is survived by Glen Rasmussen, her husband of 71 years; her children, Myrna Slama of Twin Falls, Steve Rasmussen of Salt Lake City, Utah, Lynn C. (Donna) Rasmussen of Twin Falls, and Maureen (Howard) Wallace of Middleton; her siblings, Utahna Hurst of Declo, John A. (Eileen) Stocking of Logan, Utah, Vern D. Stocking of Van Nuys, California, Doyle I. (Carol) Stocking of Ucon, and Earl C. Stocking of Buhl; 17 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; six step grandchildren; and many step great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three infant children, Don LaMoyne, Vivian, and Kelvin; a daughter-in-law, Mary Ellen Rasmussen; one brother, LaMoyne; and a sister, Aileen.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 30, at the Springdale LDS Church, 200 S. 475 E., of Burley, with Bishop John R. Garrard officiating.  Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16^th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church.

Clovis, California

Frank Weller Loeffler, age 84, of Clovis, California, passed away on Friday, April 9, 2010, in Clovis, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on June 4, 1925, in Washington, DC, the son of Mazie Rebecca Oberholtzer and Frank Weller Loeffler. He joined the Navy during World War II, proudly serving his country in the South Pacific. He later had a successful career working for A.O. Smith in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he resided for many years before relocating to Clovis, California.

Frank was a cherished and beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was a gracious gentleman whose courage and faith never wavered and was an inspiration to all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary of Clovis, California; his children, Muriel Carter of Sanford, Florida, Luanne Clark (Steve) of Pocatello, Rebecca Rye (Robert) of Boise, Linda Christensen (Leon) of Burley, Arthur Bates (Keri) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Georgianne Taunton, Melinda Hayward (Roger) and Suzanne Davis (Jamie) all of Fresno, California, Jennifer Ruth (Paul) of Redding, California, and Aimee Labat (Kevin) of Dublin, California; his sister, Jean MacCutcheon of Clinton, Pennsylvania; 43 grandchildren; and 66 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Margaret Colston and Marian Parks; a grandson, Andrew Christensen; and both his parents.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at the Springdale LDS Church, 200 S. 475 E., of Burley, where friends and family may call one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley, with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans and Auxiliary.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund, 50 E. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-1501.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.

On April 7, I wrote an entry on the GoBurley.com website concerning the resolution of a court action brought against Burley City Councilman, Dennis Curtis, by the city’s self-appointed moral guardian, John Walsh. The court’s decision was accurately and fairly documented by the T-N reporter and by all accounts should have brought the issue to a resolution.

However, Mr. Walsh could not leave “well enough alone” and has subsequently opened up the “closed book,” demanding Mr. Curtis’s resignation from the City Council. This prompts me to reiterate the point I made on the website – Mr. Walsh’s verbal bullying of Mr. Curtis and other members of the city’s government cannot be litigated as easily as  physical bullying. And since much of Mr. Walsh’s diatribe has been published by Councilman Jay Lenkersdorfer in a publication which he owns (The Weekly Mailer,) it would seem that Mr. Lenkersdorfer is violating the conflict of interest standard held by elected public officials, and incidentally by all ethical journalists.

Logic tells us that if Mr. Curtis were to be sanctioned by the Burley City Council for “violating his oath as a city councilman,” as John Walsh stated in a letter published in the Weekly Mailer,  it would follow that Mr. Lenkersdorfer should be given his walking papers too.

Mr. Walsh would do well to cease and desist before his angry rhetoric should create a consequence which would not be in his best interests. His demands for Curtis’s resignation could create a sticky wicket for Mr. Lenkersdorfer, the person who is willing to publish his accusations in his “Sound-Off” column. Perhaps leaving well enough alone could be the best option for all concerned, and our city government could continue to function in a more civil manner. After all, these officials were elected by the people of Burley, not appointed by Mr.Walsh.

Sincerely,
Sarah M. Blasius
Burley, Idaho

Today is the anniversary of the Columbine Massacre, a day which in some way, haunts the psyches of all public school teachers. The numbers of the date, 4/20, became an occult code inscribed by youthful “insiders” on desks, books, backs of hands, etc. representing the lunatic fringe of human society. One of the most notorious of that group was Adolf Hitler whose birthdate is April 20, a date which again became nefarious when Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold opened fire with semi-automatic rifles upon their unsuspecting classmates and faculty at Columbine High School located in suburban Denver, Colorado. One faculty member and twelve Columbine students were killed – probably before they even had a chance to comprehend what was happening – 23 others were wounded. Both of the killers took their own lives, upping the student mortality statistic to 14.

After that tragic incident, another number became paramount in America’s awareness – Emergency 911 – the magical number which will make everything all right. There are very few of us who don’t know the implications of calling 911 – an emergency has happened, sometimes a life-threatening one, and calling those three numbers often saves us from whatever threat we are facing.

I wonder how many of us visualize an emergency dispatch center and the faces of the individuals who take the 911 calls – not just a number, but living, breathing human beings who are dedicated to helping all who call, regardless of their status in life. These persons often internalize the fright and pain of their callers and give their all to alleviate the danger their callers are facing. When they are unable to succeed at saving the life of an infant, or to help someone find a lost hiker or kidnap victim, their pain is as real as their very humanity. It would be hard to imagine how the emergency responders suffered on April 20, 1999, and how many nightmares have awakened them from their sleep years later.

My husband, Harold, and I are attending the Citizens Academy sponsored by the Cassia County Sheriff’s Department. We spent last Saturday night “shadowing” two of these incredible responders. Their names are DeAnn Taylor and Donna Headley, and I would add that these are the names of two heroines who courageously follow the procedures expected of all 911 responders – to save their callers from the fear they are experiencing, and to essentially save lives. In many cases, the caller’s fear is paralyzing, preventing them from responding effectively to the emergency which has befallen them.

Both women agree that the first action they must take is to calm down the caller so that their directions, many times to allow CPR to be administered to a dying person – often, a child – can be followed successfully. The emotions of the responders run high, and they must overcome them in order to be effective with their responses – to keep their cool and to give the correct directions.

Sometimes, several calls come in at once, and the dispatchers are hard-pressed to respond to each of them in a timely manner. Donna speaks of giving CPR directions to the mothers of two infants – both calling from different locales. Both babies had stopped breathing. And typically, calls were coming in from deputies reporting their activities which the two dispatchers must also monitor effectively. Donna’s eyes tear up as she tells of the sadness she carries with her – she was able to save one of the babies, but the other being transported to the hospital in the mother’s car died. A terrible choice, but one which is always a possibility for these two women. They don’t accept defeat well – the pain lingers after the incident has become a matter of record.

The Dispatch Center has an incredible array of electronic displays – maps, files of names and license numbers, criminal records – all information necessary to make a quick response to deputies who have made traffic stops, or to searchers who are trying to locate a lost hiker or a victim of a crime.

But sometimes, these electronic marvels can’t equal the instincts of a trained dispatcher. DeAnn says that there have been many times when she has to figure out an answer to these queries from her own resources – a gut response, so to speak, but based on long and varied experience with human vulnerability.  Both women agree that they give their “all” in any circumstance, hoping that will be enough to rescue the person who calls 911.

The number 911 is a vital part of our survival inventory, but DeAnn and Donna are the human equation which makes that number work. We should never forget who they are and what they do. They answer the ring of the phone – “911!”

Sarah Blaius

Burley

Keagan Lucas Wood, the 5-month-old son of Lucas Glen and Brittny Ruth (Dexter) Wood of Burley, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2010, in Burley, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born Nov. 12, 2009, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the University Hospital. Keagan was a fighter. From the beginning he was faced with many medical trials. His short time on earth was very meaningful as shown by the joy and happiness he brought to everyone around him.  His sparkly eyes and long eyelashes brightened each life he touched.  We know he is at peace and has returned home to live with his Heavenly Father.

He is survived by his parents, Lucas and Brittny Wood; his brother, Wyatt Shaun Wood; grandparents, R. Scott and LuAnn Young Wood of Newdale, Idaho, and John Stewart and Sandra Ida Dexter of Salem, Idaho; great-grandparents, Lorin and Ruby Young of Plano, Idaho, and Stewart and Shirley Dexter of Egin, Idaho.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 23, at the View LDS Church, 550 S. 490 E., of Burley, with Bishop Von F. Gibby officiating.  Burial will be in the View Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16^th St., in Burley, and from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church.

Heyburn

Mae Murphy Brog, age 90, of Heyburn, passed away on Friday, April 16, 2010, at Highland Estates in Burley, with her loving family by her side.

Mae was born on Feb. 15, 1920, in Burley, Idaho.  Her parents were Richard Heber and Loverna Catherine (Johnson) Murphy.  She was raised in the Hazelton area where she received her education and graduated from the Hazelton High School.  She married John Leonard Brog on Nov. 4, 1939, in Twin Falls.

Mae was a member of the LDS Church where she had served as a Primary teacher, a visiting teacher, and was the Relief Society quilt chairman.  She also was a member of the Syringa Quilt Club and the Jaycettes.  She served as a Campfire Girl leader, as a Pink Lady for the Cassia Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and donated many hours cutting and fixing hair for the senior members of our community at many local nursing homes.  When her children were grown, Mae worked at the Fabric Center in Burley.

She was an expert in the Burley Rifle and Pistol Club and loved gardening raising beautiful roses.  She enjoyed doing crafts, embroidery, sewing, crocheting and quilting.  She made dolls clothes for her children and was well-known for the beautiful quilts she made.  Many of these quilts were auctioned off for charity.  Additionally, Mae was a wonderful painter and made outstanding porcelain dolls.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, John Brog of Heyburn; one son, Larry Brog of Rupert; four daughters, Glena Greiner of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Carol (Jim) Stroud of Heyburn, Linda (Bob) Wageman of Twin Falls, and Betty (Stan) Rasmussen of Burley; one brother, George Murphy of Kimberly; a sister, Golda Hansen of Provo, Utah; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Jim, Robert, Rellis and Maurice Murphy; two sisters, Mary Hicks and Elna Lowe; and a son-in-law, Bob Greiner.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 23, at the Paul LDS 3^rd and 4^th Ward Church, 300 S. 500 W., of Heyburn, with Bishop Todd Wheeler officiating.  Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, April 22, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16^th St., in Burley, and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Friday at the church.

Heyburn

David A. Peterson, age 73, of Heyburn, passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2010.

He was born Sept. 7, 1936, in Burley.  He was the son of Alton and Leona (Wells) Peterson.  At the age of three he went to live with his grandparents, George and Edna Wells in Oakley, where he grew up in the Basin and went to school graduating from Oakley High School.  He married Dolores Williams on June 10, 1957, in Elko, Nevada.  They lived in Paul and raised their three daughters and one son. David worked at Kloepfer Concrete and Paving for 41 years as a construction supervisor.  Through his job, Dave traveled many roads and enjoyed his time spent working on road construction.  In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmobiling.  He made friends easily and touched many lives.

Later in life, he married Marilee Weber Swanson on Dec. 29, 1991, in Sun Valley, who has since been his wife and partner.  Many summers were spent on the road working together and enjoying the sights of Idaho.  After retirement, they enjoyed spending time with friends and family.  He resided in Heyburn until his death.

David will be missed but never forgotten.

Dave is survived by his wife, Marilee Peterson of Heyburn; three daughters, Denise (Ron) Dietz of Paul, Darlene (Clint) Kisler of Hailey, and Donna Peterson of Paul; Marilee’s sons, Eric (Kristi) Swanson of Boise, and Aaron Swanson and Kellie Davis both of Rupert; his grandchildren, Jason Dietz of Salt Lake City, Utah, Tyson (Pamela) Dietz of Boise, Zane (Kelsey) Dietz of Twin Falls, and Robie Swanson of Boise; one great-grandson, Houston Dietz; and his extended family, Brenda Gifford, Kris Frost and Steve Buerkle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Shirley Petersen Shill; and a son, Kyle David Peterson.

The family would like to give a special thank-you to the Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center staff in Burley, for the care given to David.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16^th St., in Burley.  Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West End Fire Department Quick Response, c/o Randy Sutton, P.O. Box 94, Paul, ID 83347.