Larue Wilcox

LARUE WILCOX IDAHO FALLS, ID -- LaRue was born on March 4, 1925, at home in Salem, Idaho, and died May 25, 2010, at Richland Rehabilitation Center in Richland, Washington, at age 85. She was the ninth child and fourth daughter of Samuel and Saphronia Welker. She received her early education in a one-room school house in Burton, Idaho and finished high school at Madison High School. In 1942, she married Grant (Scott) Wilcox in Archer, Idaho. Scott, a Marine, was deployed to the South Pacific War front shortly after. The war separated them for over three years. They raised their five children, Terry, Ruth, Bruce, Shelley and Karla. and lived in various places in eastern Idaho from Archer to Idaho Falls. They divorced after 22 years of marriage. In 1968, she married Bob Strain in Idaho Falls. They enjoyed many camping trips and loved to fish. Bob died in 1978. LaRue and Scott Wilcox became reacquainted as companions. After retirement, they continued their love of fishing, camping and spending winters in Arizona. Scott died in 1996. Her employments included Highland Green House, Stardust Motel, Dr. Stoddard’s office, Bonneville County Home extension agency and Bonneville County school lunch program. LaRue was an accomplished artist and enjoyed going to art classes and studying art. She had a great love of good books and reading. She enjoyed her daily crossword puzzles, crocheting, cooking, and was a big fan of the Utah Jazz. She was a good conversationalist and loved to dance. LaRue continued to travel in her own camp trailer and fish until her later years. LaRue had a ‘green thumb.’ She raised many beautiful flowers both indoors and out and loved to garden. After suffering ill health, LaRue moved to Kirkland, then Richland, Washington, to be near her children. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is survived by: Sister; Leola (Ira) Davis Brothers: Keith (Donna) and Gary (Joanne) Welker Son: Terry (Gloria) Wilcox of Woodland Hills, CA Daughter: Ruth (Dave) Hargrave, Kirkland, WA Son: Bruce (Debra) Wilcox, Richland, WA Daughter: Shelley Ellis, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Karla (Don) Alexander, Salem, OR Grandchildren: Stephanie Hargrave, Aimee Hargrave, Chris (Barbara) Russell, Devone (James) Pickrell, Spence Russell, Shane Collins, Kelly Collins, Ozzie (Olivia) Wilcox, William Alexander, Chris (Tara) Hogg and Carrie Hogg, and Great Grandchildren: Justin (Amanda), Trevor, Jeremiah and Brennan Pickrell, Kennedy Wilcox, Billy Rose Hogg, Kassidy Shell, and Taylie Jade Russell. LaRue was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jay, Orville, Jesse, Dale, James and Rex Welker; sisters, Hazel Briggs and Helen Clark; granddaughter, Melissa Russell; and great grandson, Stone Russell. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 29, 2010, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. prior to the services at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Archer Sutton Cemetery. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Darlene Foster Bruce and Deb, So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was always so fun to talk to, and a very classy lady. I'll not be able to attend the Funeral, but my thoughts are with you. Darlene Foster Karen Reynolds reynoldsjacob@hotmail.com I was so sorry to hear about LaRue's passing. I first met LaRue when she came to "Eagle Assisted Living" in Richland. Antoinette Stewart and I were her visiting teachers from church and we sure enjoyed our visits. LaRue was always so gracious and welcoming when we stopped by. She would great us with a smile and she would ask us questions about our lives and told us some about hers. She talked a lot about her children and how good they were to her. I always enjoyed seeing the new vase of flowers or nick nack that one of her children had recently given her. It was fun to look at all her treasures and artwork. I always felt uplifted after visiting LaRue and she will always have a special place in my heart. Sincerely, Karen Reynolds