Lela Burgin

Lela Almeda Sams Burgin, 90, of Idaho Falls, passed away September 22, 2011, at The Gardens of Rigby Assisted Living Center in Rigby, Idaho. Lela was born October 9, 1920, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, a daughter of George Ellsworth Sams and Ida May Webster Sams. She grew up in Idaho Falls and attended Emerson Elementary School, O. E. Bell Junior High School, and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. On August 16, 1939, she married Ralph James Burgin in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. To this union was born four children: Colleen, Barbara, Janet, and Jim. Ralph and Lela made their home in Idaho Falls, where she was a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker. She also worked for Idaho Potato Growers for 11 years and at LDS Hospital as a switchboard operator for three years and as an emergency room receptionist. Ralph passed away February 17, 2001. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lela served as Young Women Secretary, Sunday School Secretary, and Visiting Teaching Supervisor. She enjoyed camping, fishing, crocheting, plastic needlework, and playing pinochle. Lela is survived by her daughter, Janet (Robert) Storms of Rigby, ID; son, Jim Burgin of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, Donna (Bill) Hartman of Ogden, UT; 11 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two daughters, Colleen Ballenger and Barbara Chadwick, five sisters, Onda Schell, Beth Arlene Whitehead, Rhea Croft, Montie Pardonnet, and Lillian Earl; and two brothers, Chester John Sams and Ellsworth Sams. Lela’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Hands of Hope Hospice for their attentive and loving care. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 24, 2011, at Wood Funeral Home,273 North Ridge Avenue,Idaho Falls, with Bishop Ron Young of the Rigby LDS 9th Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Saturday at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be next to Ralph in Rose Hill Cemetery.