Velda Hunsaker Barras

RUPERT – Velda (Hunsaker) Barras, 81, went peacefully to her heavenly home on Sunday, March 10, 2019, where a wondrous reunion was held with her beloved husband, son, parents and brothers. Velda was surrounded by her loving family in her final days and at the time of her passing.

Velda was the fifth child born to Alfred and Nellie Florence King Hunsaker on October 16, 1937, in Heyburn, Idaho. Velda lived her entire life in the Mini-Cassia area. She graduated from Heyburn High School. She met the man of her dreams, Fred Arthur Barras, while he was working at the gas station. After a short courtship, they were married on March 25, 1955, in Rupert, Idaho. They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 19, 1961.

Velda and Fred had four wonderful sons: Steven, Daniel, Ronald and Kenneth. With four busy boys, she was always busy cooking, cleaning and making memories. Velda was an amazing cook and her family will especially miss her cherry sheet-cake pie. Velda loved being a homemaker and taking care of her family. She enjoyed making the most of Fred’s wonderful garden, going to dances and playing cards. A favorite family tradition was going to Stanley, Idaho and white-water rafting. She enjoyed fishing and camping, traveling and just being together. When the granddaughters started joining the family, the immense joy of shopping trips began!

Velda worked at Pershing Elementary School as a secretary and later worked and retired from Lee’s Furniture in Burley.

Velda was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints her entire life. She served her best in all her church callings. She loved serving as a temple worker in the Twin Falls Idaho Temple. Following their retirement, they were honored to serve a mission in the California San Jose Mission from 2002 to 2003.

Velda was preceded in death by her eternal companion, Fred; her son, Ken; her parents; two brothers, Ross and Dale Hunsaker; brothers-in-law, Blaine Rasmussen, Dick Paoli, Roy Jensen, and Bob Barras. She is survived by her sons, Steve (Tamara), Dan (Candace), and Ron (Lisa); five sisters, Lois Rasmussen, Shirley Paoli, Carole Jensen, Nelma (Lewis) Abrams, and Beth (Dennis) Loosli; five sisters-in-law, Carol (Bill) Shockey, Diane Merkey, Nan Barras, Doris Hunsaker, and Susanne Hunsaker; 12 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jeff Swenson, Michelle Searle and Minidoka Memorial Home Health & Hospice for the special care they gave her.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 15, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- Rupert West Stake Center, located at 26 S. 100 W., Rupert, Idaho, with Bishop Jeff Faux officiating. Burial will follow at the Rupert Cemetery.

Viewing will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the newly-opened Magic Valley Area Humanitarian Center located in Rupert. (PO Box 601 Rupert, Idaho 83350)