Bernece Otteson

BERNECE MOORE OTTESON IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Bernece Moore Otteson died July 24, 2008, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of causes incident to age. Just last month, she celebrated her 90th birthday at a special dinner with many of her extended family in attendance. Bernece was born June 13, 1918, to Ira and Mary Ellen Moore in Shelton, Idaho. She was the third of eight children. She was delivered by a midwife in her parents’ two-room house. She attended grade school in Shelton, graduated from Ririe High School, and then moved to Idaho Falls to live with her sisters. After working at Rogers Brothers Seed Company for some time, Bernece decided she wanted to become a cosmetologist, so she worked her way through beauty school. She loved doing hair and helping others. In 1935, she met the love of her life, D.A. “Dib” Otteson, at a dance at the Eagles Hall. They courted until he felt like he had enough money to support a family, and they were married June 19, 1940, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. They honeymooned to the World’s Fair in San Francisco and came home by way of Seattle, Glacier, and Yellowstone National Park. Dib died May 28, 2007, just a few weeks before their 67th anniversary. Bernece enjoyed being a wife and mother and rarely worked outside the home. Active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served on the North Idaho Falls Stake Primary Board, as a music director in the Relief Society, and as a visiting teacher. She was a member of the Idaho Falls Music Club and helped with music festivals. For many years, she was involved in the Charm School for Miss Idaho Falls contestants. Bernece loved nothing more than spending time with her children and grandchildren at family parties and outings. She looked forward to a week every summer for over 30 years at Redfish Lake, camping with Dib, their children, and families. She had a great love for all and was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Bernece is survived by four children: Dennis (Connie) Otteson, Lanae (Terry) Jensen, both of Idaho Falls, Karen (Bryce) Jeppsen of Meridian, and Sherri (David) Bird of Corvallis, Oregon, one brother, Lloyd (Genevieve) Moore of Portland, Oregon; 18 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers, Dale and Delon, and four sisters, Louise Malloy, Elda Brown, Lila Heileson, and Reva Burton. Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Wood Funeral Home Chapel of the Pines, 273 North Ridge Ave., Idaho Falls, with Bishop Philip Wheatley of the Idaho Falls LDS 21st Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1 to 1:45 p.m. prior to services. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. --------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Linda Haggard Treat I wanted to send my condolences in the loss of your mother, Bernece. I've long known Lanae and Terry from our single years and Dennis and Connie from the 16th Ward but sadly didn't know Karen or Sherri. I, too, lost my mother just three years ago so I know what you are feeling. Even tho she lived a long good life there is still the loss and the realization that we are now the older generation. I send my deepest sympathy to all of you and hope that you rejoice in the Gospel and the hope of meeting again.