Helen Searle Lowder

RUPERT – Our mother, Helen Lowder, a 91-year-old longtime resident of Rupert, passed away Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, in the Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center in Burley.

Mom was born in Alpine, Utah, on Nov. 17, 1926, to Jesse Fielding and Mabel Emerine (Smith) Searle. She was born at her grandparents’ home, and Mom’s great-great-grandmother delivered her. Her parents moved to View, Idaho, where she attended elementary and middle school. It was in grade school where Mom met her future husband, Richard Kenner Lowder. She attended and graduated from Burley High School. Helen and Richard were married, during World War II, on October 9, 1944, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. When the war ended they settled in Rupert, Idaho.

She was the mother of five children, Richard Dean Lowder (Carol), Gary Wayne Lowder (Louan), Ronnie Lee Lowder (Leann), Sharon DeAnn Dye (Rick), and Daniel Scott Lowder (Doreen). Her posterity includes 21 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren; and four great-great- grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by a brother, Eldon Searle (Gwen); two sisters, Phyllis Heward and LuDene Tanner; and a sister-in-law, Pat Searle.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Smith Searle and Glen Searle; a sister, Florence Searle; her husband, Richard Kenner Lowder; one son, Richard Dean Lowder; and a great-granddaughter, Paige Lowder.

Mom was a happy person who didn’t let things bother her; “Think Positive” was her philosophy for life. She loved working in the garden growing flowers and vegetables. She canned all summer long so the family could enjoy the fruits of her labors. Mom made the best bread you’ve ever had – just ask her grandchildren. She loved to travel and if you were going anywhere, she was first in the car. Her family was her greatest treasure. She taught her children to work hard and when the work was done they would go for a fun day to the mountains.

Mom was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in Primary and Relief Society and was a visiting teacher.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Rupert Stake Center, 324 East 18th St., in Rupert, with Bishop Kyle Carpenter officiating. Burial will follow at Rupert Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 12 noon until 12:45 p.m. Friday preceding the service at the church.