Yvonne Keller

RUPERT – Yvonne Joe Lawson Keller, an 85-year-old, resident of Rupert, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2016, at Grace Assisted Living Center in Twin Falls, surrounded in love by her family.

She was born May 11, 1930, in Rigby, Idaho, the daughter of Josephine and Ivan Lawson. She attended school at Midway High School in Lewisville, Idaho, graduating in 1948. Following graduation she attended Rick’s College.

On October 13, 1950, Yvonne married her high school sweetheart, Wayne Keller, in Annis, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. In 1950, when Wayne was drafted into the United States Army, Yvonne accompanied him to Fort Hood, Texas. Their first child, Roland, was born during that time. Upon Wayne’s honorable discharge, they returned to Menan, Idaho, where Wayne and Yvonne continued in the family farming business. During this time they had three more children; Tamara, Roger and Janet. In 1964, the family moved to Castleford, Idaho, where several years earlier, Wayne, along with his father and brother, had started a farming operation in the Blue Gulch area. They cleared the land and developed and installed an irrigation system for the farm. Yvonne took great pride in this farming venture. This was a very special time for her, and she often reflected on the loving memories of their young family being together, the beauty, serenity, and sunsets of the farm. Yvonne and Wayne relocated to Rupert in 1976, where they operated a custom farming business.

Besides involvement in her husband’s various enterprises, Yvonne held many jobs during her lifetime. As a young woman, she worked for both the Idaho Falls Hospital and Magic Valley Memorial Hospital in their respective insurance departments. She also worked for over 40 years for the Idaho Agricultural Statistical Service, where she received various awards and honors. She also worked for the Amalgamated Sugar Company weighing beets in the Minidoka area.

Upon retirement, Wayne and Yvonne spent many years traveling and enjoying winters living in St. George, Utah. Their travels also included Quartzite and Yuma, Ariz., and Mexico. St. George became the spring break destination for their children and grandchildren. Yearly excursions to Zions National Park, hiking in Snow Canyon, swimming, and, of course, shopping at the outlet malls became tradition.

Yvonne’s greatest joy was her family. She loved to have her children and grandchildren around her. With her family, she loved camping, boating, shopping (not necessarily in that order), trips, and rides to look at the beauty of nature. Her loving spirit, quiet tone, and gracious demeanor had an impact on everyone who came in contact with her. She could always be counted on, day or night, to answer the phone and give a reassuring, loving word to those in need.

Yvonne is survived by her children, Roland (Deborah) Keller of Malad, Tamara (Kim) Herzinger of Kimberly, Roger (Kristin) Keller of Kimberly, and Janet (Brad) Cooper of Heyburn; one brother, Norman (Karla) Lawson of Idaho Falls; 16 grandchildren, Johanna, Jared, Joslyn, Jenna, Jordan, Courtney, Ashlee, Amanda, Christopher, Bailey, Brandon, Chance, Michelle, Tiffany, Cody, and Brady; 25 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; her parents; one brother, Lynn Lawson; one sister, Mary Green; and one grandson, Colton Keller.

As a mother and grandmother, she will be missed very much, but we will always be blessed by the impact of her love, caring spirit, and ability to listen without judgement. She touched all our lives for the better.

We express appreciation and gratitude to Hospice Visions (Cayla and Mike) for their loving care and those at Grace Assisted Living Center, who provided for her daily needs.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 9, at the Rupert West Stake Center, 26 S. 100 W, of Rupert, with bishop Brad Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Paul Cemetery.

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