Leatrice Hamberlin

Leatrice Lewis Hamberlin, 90, of Idaho Falls, passed away on September 18, 2017, at her home of causes incident to age. She was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho. She was born May 28, 1927 in Rexburg, Idaho to Evan Eckersell Lewis and Mary Jane Hill Lewis. She grew up in Rexburg the youngest of six children and graduated from Madison High School in 1945. Leatrice was born of goodly parents. Neither rich nor famous but descendants of early pioneer families in the Upper Snake River Valley. Both families have deep roots in the Rexburg area. Leatrice always talked about how much fun she had growing up in a small community. Her childhood was during the depression when families struggled with many hardships. But she always talked about the fun she had with her friends and particularly how much she loved ice skating, roller skating, and playing jacks. For Christmas one year she received a jar of olives and thought it was the best Christmas ever. Following high school Leatrice attended Ricks College and married Lynn Lusk in 1947. Together they had three children, They were later divorced. In 1958 she married Scyril "Tex" Hamberlin of Idaho Falls and they moved to Idaho Falls, where she spent the rest of her life. This marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on September 9, 1970. Tex preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by all her siblings and two grandsons. Leatrice is survived by her children: Larson (Betty) of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Lewis (Joyce) of Rigby, Idaho, Lynda (J) of Scottsdale, Arizona, Nancy of Springville, Utah, David (Jana) of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Sidney, (Sheri) of Idaho Falls, Idaho; 22 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. She was a grandmother to many extended family members. Family meant everything to Leatrice. She wasn't happy unless family was involved. She was a great supporter of her grandchildren's activities and tried not to miss anything they were involved in such as musicals, choirs performances, dance recitals, basketball, soccer, or baseball. She loved supporting her family. Leatrice worked for 19 years at the Pioneer Book Store in Idaho Falls and loved helping people select books. She acquired quite a collection of children's books. Working at the book store brought her a lot of happiness and good friendships. Leatrice was an active member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings during her life. She particularly loved the primary children and the Relief Society. She and her neighbor, Wavie Siple, were Visiting Teaching companions for 40 years. She continued to fulfill her responsibility as a Visiting Teaching Supervisor to the end. She said she loved calling the sisters each month. She also loved attending the temple. Leatrice was a very giving person and enjoyed helping people. She was always stopping by and checking on her home-bound friends and bringing them treats. She loved those visits and always looked forward to seeing her friends. Leatrice had a great love for cooking. Her favorite pastime was reading and collecting recipes. She said reading recipes was as much fun as reading a novel. No one left her dinner table feeling hungry. The family of Leatrice wish to thank all the people who have helped in these last years. A special thank you to Charleen Davis, Kaye Tremelling, Pat Anderson and the Kaleb Parson family for their constant care and love. Also, a sincere thanks to the many past and present neighbors who have been such an important part of all of our lives by always being there to love, support and help us. Thanks to Hospice of Eastern Idaho for their tender care and friendship. Karla, Debbie, Cheryll, Marilyn and Dawn, we love and appreciate you. And finally, a special thanks to her ward family for their support and many visits. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017, at the Idaho Falls LDS 26th Ward, 2025 Jennie Lee Drive, with Bishop Kim Smith officiating. The family will visit with friends on Friday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, and Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. We love you Mom, Grandma and Friend. We will miss you but are happy for the reunion you will have with Dad.

Funeral Services will be held