Burley
Wilma Gillett Thurston, age 90, passed away quietly on Sunday morning, Jan. 31, 2010, in Burley, surrounded by her family.
She was born June 22, 1919, in Declo, Idaho, the daughter of Lawrence Augustus and Wilma Gay (Anderson) Gillett. She was the sixth child in a family of nine children, (five brothers and three sisters). She grew up and graduated from high school in Declo. She married Leo Simpson Thurston on May 25, 1939, in Declo. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They moved to Burley, and established their home west of Burley in the Starrh’s Ferry area for more than 70 years. She was an active member of the LDS Church, serving in many callings including the Primary, YWMIA, Relief Society and was an ordinance worker in the Boise LDS Temple
They were the parents of seven children, Billie (Dee) Gifford of Ogden, Utah, Karen (Larry) Richman of Meridian, Laurie Mounce of Paul, Frank (Mayumi) Thurston of Collinsville, Oklahoma, Tim (Kathryn) Thurston of Seattle, Washington, Rose Mary (Kris) Hansen of Burley, and Susan (Wendell) Jessop of Gooding.
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a homemaker and excelled in everything she did. She loved spending time with her family and friends, traveling in the motor home, snowmobiling and taking care of her flowers and her yard. She devoted many years taking care of Leo after he suffered paralysis due to an illness. Leo passed away in September of 1995.
She is survived by her children; 18 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; two brothers, George Gillett of Pensacola, Florida, and Frank Gillett of Declo; and one sister, Renee Clark of Rupert.
In addition to her husband, Leo, she was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; and two sisters.
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at the Star LDS Church, 100 S. 200 W., of Burley, with Bishop Ross Spackman officiating. Burial will be in the Declo Cemetery.
Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., Burley, and from noon until 12:45 p.m. Friday at the church.
