Gary Andrus

Gary Todd Andrus, 82, of Idaho Falls, passed away Friday, January 7, 2011 at his home. He was born November 18, 1928 in Idaho Falls to Todd Woodruff Andrus and Hortense Naomi Hansen Andrus. Gary earned the Eagle Scout award at the age of 17. He attended school in Ucon and graduated from Ucon High School in 1946. He served a proselyting mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the southern states from 1948 to 1950. On his return from his mission, he was drafted into the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He then served in the ready reserves for three more years. After attending Ricks College, he transferred to BYU in Provo, Utah, graduating in 1958 with a Science Degree in Humanities. He married Margaret Roberts in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple December 9, 1955 and they were able to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. Gary worked for the State of Idaho for 30 years in The Department of Health and Welfare. During the devastating 1976 Teton Dam Flood he received a distinguished recognition from Governor Cecil Andrus for the help he rendered in Rexburg. He also won an award for The Summer Youth Employment Program as an outstanding supervisor. Gary and Margaret served in the Pennsylvania Harrisburg LDS Mission for 18 months. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served a temple mission, as a temple ordinance worker, and in teaching and leadership positions. Gary enjoyed going to the mountains where he grew up, the outdoors, and spending time shooting his favorite weapons. Gary was proud to serve on The American Legion Memorial Team for the veterans funerals. He earned the award of Legionnaire of the Year in 2006 for outstanding service to our community. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Teton Oncology in Rexburg and the Alliance Hospice for their support at this time. Gary is survived by his wife Margaret of Idaho Falls; two sons, Jeffrey (Gayla) Andrus of Prescott, AZ; Wyatt (Elicia) Andrus of Ukiah, CA; three daughters, Holly (Mark) Rose of Nampa, ID; Kim (Andrus) Croft of Idaho Falls, ID; and Gerri (Kenneth) Grover of Caldwell, ID; one sister, Corinne (Kenneth) Doty, of Portland, OR; and one sister-in-law, Shirley Andrus of Ucon, ID. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Larry Andrus and sister, Mona Smith. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 14, 2011 at the Kearney LDS 2nd Ward (1860 Kearney), with Bishop Frank Plain officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday evening at Wood East Side (963 S. Ammon Rd.), and Friday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Ucon Cemetery with military rites performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Idaho Honor Guard.

Funeral Services

11:00 a.m. ,Friday, January 14, 2011 Idaho Falls LDS Kearney 2nd Ward 1860 Kearney Street Idaho Falls, ID 83401 Notes: The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening at Wood East Side (963 S. Ammon Rd.), and Friday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Ucon Cemetery with military rites performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Idaho Honor Guard.