Reba Shurtliff Earle

REBA EARLE AMMON, ID -- Reba Della Shurtliff Earle, 86, of Ammon, died December 30, 2009, at her home. Reba was born December 27, 1923, at Iona, Idaho, the seventh of eight children born to Thomas Iera Shurtliff and Mayme Mae Smith Shurtliff. She was preceded in death by her parents, and three siblings, Iline, Loral, and Leland. Surviving brothers and sister are Rene, Marvin, Rex, and Arline. Reba was raised in Iona and later attended Ricks College. She met her sweetheart, Leo Albert "Sam" Earle and they were married May 22, 1942. She spent the next three years accompanying Sam through Air Force training and working as "Rosie the Riveter." In 1945, after the war, they became owners of Earle Equipment & Motor Company (Case Farm Machinery and Ford Car Dealerships) in Ashton, Idaho, which they operated for 36 years. Reba and Sam raised four beautiful children, Steve, Mike, Scott, and Aileen, and were later blessed with 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Reba and Sam retired in 1982 and moved to Washington, Utah, where she became known as "Sister Friendly" in the church primary, spreading her sunshine to everyone she touched. Love and happiness was her desire for everyone. Reba and Sam were sealed for time and all eternity on December 30, 1986, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. She returned to her eternal home and sweetheart exactly 23 years later. Reba was cherished and loved by her family and all who knew her. She truly was a unique and special lady whose guidance, wisdom and love will remain with us forever. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 2, 2010, at the Idaho Falls LDS Woodruff 1st Ward, 1660 – 12th Street, with Bishop Brian Hobbs of the Ammon LDS 5th Ward officiating and Bishop LaMar Densley presiding. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Iona Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Gordon Orme elgordo758@yahoo.com Reba and Sam played important roles in my life. Sam was my inspiration to become an Air Force pilot and Reba was indeed Sister Friendly. Regards, Gordon and Cherie Orme Connie J. Stokes So sorry to hear of the passing of your dear Mother & Sister. I will be unable to attend the funeral as I am in California at the present time but I will be thinking of you. Your Cousin, Connie Julie Parkinson Griffith kandj7@mail.com Sorry to hear the news today about Reba. Great memories of your mother. Always kind to me when I was in her home. She had a good spirit around her. My prayers are with you Aileen and your family. Love, Julie and Joleen Phyllis Nixon Ramos phyllisnixon@sbcglobal.net I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Reba's passing. She had an awesome spirit that enlightened those around her. I am glad she is with her forever love, Uncle Sam. My thoughts are with you Aileen, Mike, Scott and Steve and the rest of her extended family. Ken & Bernetta Hanson khbug@hotmail.com On behalf of our family we extend our sympathy and prayers in the loss of Reba- our folks were Bob & Bernice Harris of Ashton & my sisters are Lecia & Shawna (we lost our brother James this last May). Your loved one lives on in the warm embrace of our Lord. Nancy and JC Hart Dear Family We want to express our condolences to your family. Reba was an example of a gracious lady. She was so kind and I appreciated her comments in my Sunday School Class. May Heavenly Father's blessing of peace be with you at this time. Nancy and JC Hart LeAnn Bourne leannbourne@hotmail.com It is with great sadness to here of Reba's passing. Sadness for us that will be missing her dearly but what joy she is now in. To be reunited with our Lord God and her beloved Sam. In my eyes Aileen you are a saint. Taking your Mother into your home and making sure that she was showered with love and care. Thank you so much for letting me come into your home to visit your Mother. My only regret is that I didn't get back there over there during the Holiday's. I've will always remember our visits when you would bring your Mother into the bank. You both touched my heart in a very special place. Sincerely, LeAnn Bourne Marty Rutledge mottyrutt@hotmailc So sorry to hear of Reba's passing. I so enjoyed her when she and Sam spent the winter in Wickenburg, AZ. I had a chance to get to know her, which was a joy, and to also learn a little more about my Smith family! She was a pleasure and you are truly blessed to have had her in your lives. "Cousin" Marty Fr. David Q. Grube fathergrube@gmail.com Reba was one of my favorite primary teachers of all time . . . when we moved down the street from the Earles in 1966 I was thrilled. Aileen and all, know you are forever in my heart and remain yours eternally!