Donna Beth Eschler Kennett

RUPERT - Donna Beth Eschler Kennett, 86, of Rupert, and formerly of Paul, died Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at her home.

She was born on April 18, 1928, in Bern, Idaho, the youngest of six children born to Louis Moroni and Anna Elizabeth “Libby” Kunz Eschler. The family moved to Montpelier while she was still a baby and she was raised and schooled there. She worked as a telephone operator in Montpelier where she met and married Dick Kennett, who was a flight instructor at the local airport. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.

Dick’s work as a pilot required them to live in several towns including: Idaho Falls; McCall; Twin Falls; Boise; Paul; Rupert; and in Salt Lake City, Utah. Donna and the children worked together with Dick for many years in the crop dusting business. Because their children were born over a period of many years, she spent most of her life raising her children.

Donna loved to sew and diligently sewed clothes for her daughters as they were growing up and for herself. She also did lots of handwork - knitting, quilting, etc. She was a charter member of the Sweet Adelines women’s barbershop chorus, and sang with them for many years.

Donna was very proud of her 100% Swiss heritage but always joked that she was part Gypsy because she did a great deal of traveling and enjoyed it so much. She had been to six of the seven continents and had traveled to the majority of these places with her daughter, Joni.

She lived at and managed the family motel in Burley for 11 years and finally retired in 1995.

The things most dear to her were The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and her family. She served faithfully in every organization of the Church and especially enjoyed her callings in music.

Donna is survived by four children, Scott (Peggy Jo) Kennett of West Jordan, Utah; Joni (Van) Haddox of Jerome; Lisa (Jerry) Buerkle of Rupert; and Trell (Deanne) Kennett of Saudi Arabia; a stepdaughter, Kathleen (Bill) Humphreys of Rupert; 16 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Kristen Taylor; one granddaughter, Amanda Taylor; and all of her siblings.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at the Rupert LDS Stake Center, 324 E. 18th St., in Rupert. Burial will follow in the Paul Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 11:45 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Friday at the church.