Mary Traughber

GRACE TRAUGHBER IDAHO FALLS, ID - Mary Grace Traughber, 96, long-time Swan Valley resident, died December 24, 2005, at Idaho Falls Health and Rehab. She was born June 27, 1909 in Johnson, Arkansas, to Charles Daniel Ritchey and Ardena Leann Saunders Ritchey. Her family soon moved to Swan Valley where she attended schools graduating from Idaho Falls High School. She married Harry O. Traughber September 30, 1929, in Idaho Falls. They owned and operated the Swan Valley Commissary from 1946 to 1998 where she pioneered the well-known square ice cream cone. She was responsible for giving many youth, including her family, their first jobs and teaching them how to work. She was active in bringing electrical power to Swan Valley through the Lower Valley Power and Light Company. She was the Postmaster in Swan Valley from 1971 to 1988 and was also a Notary Public for many years. Her husband preceded her in death. She was raised in the Baptist church, then joined the Chapel in the Valley in 1966 where she played piano for many years and, later, the organ. She enjoyed feeding any stray cats that would come to her door, writing poetry and songs, and watching the World Series games. She is survived by: Son: Daniel (Kitty) Traughber, Swan Valley, ID 4 Grandchildren, 9 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great Great Grandchild. She was preceded in death by three sisters and a brother. Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 30, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at Wood East Side Chapel, 963 South Ammon Road, with Pastor Adrian Washington of the Swan Valley Chapel in the Valley officiating. In lieu of flowers, Grace requested donations to Chapel in the Valley in Swan Valley, ID. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and for one hour prior to services both at Wood East Side. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home.