Abe Winterbottom

Abe Larry Winterbottom, 74, of Idaho Falls, passed away April 6, 2018, at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona. He was born March 9, 1944, in Blackfoot, Idaho, to Elmo Winterbottom and Ida Walters Winterbottom. He grew up and attended schools in the area, graduating from Blackfoot High School in 1964. Abe was part of the high school wrestling team and choir. He joined the United States Air Force in 1965 and was trained as a Parachute Rigger. The Air Force took him to Texas, Illinois, Georgia, and Puerto Rico. On November 22, 1969, he married Rea Kay Later in Blackfoot, Idaho. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on November 22, 1975. To this union were born seven children, Shawna, Jade, Staci, Stormie, Ida, Jared, and Shanda. Abe and Rea Kay made their home in Idaho Falls. Abe and Rea Kay moved to Twin Falls where Abe was an apprentice glazier for Falls Paint and Glass for two years before he transferred back to Idaho Falls. Abe worked as a pipefitter for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for 28 years. After his retirement, Abe drove school bus to keep busy. Abe loved spending time with his family camping, hunting, fishing, Bashing, 4-wheeling, shooting his bow, and generally anything outdoors. Everyone that met Abe loved him and had stories to tell of the adventures they had with him. Abe’s passing has left a hole that will never be filled and he will be missed by all who loved him. Abe is survived by his wife, Rea Kay; his daughters, Shawna (Kendal) Jenkins, Staci (Kirby) Sheldon, Stormie Winterbottom, and Shanda (Kip) Andrus; his sons, Jade (Stacy) Winterbottom and Jared (Diane) Winterbottom, all residing in Idaho Falls, Idaho; 26 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Peggy Jorgensen and Judy Christiansen; and his brothers, Reese (Emy Lou) Winterbottom and Mike (Cheri) Winterbottom. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Barry Winterbottom; a sister, Nancy Winterbottom; and his daughter, Ida Marrianne Winterbottom. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at the Idaho Falls LDS Willowbrook Ward (1200 Dunbar Drive) with Bishop Grant Campbell officiating. The family will visit with friends on Friday from 6-8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) and on Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in New Sweden Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held