Rollie Rex Leeper

Rollie Rex Leeper, 89, of Gooding, Idaho, passed away on September 21, 2024, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Born on March 31, 1935, Rollie was the third of four siblings in the family of Lillard “Pill” Leeper and Erma Estella Koonce.

After graduating from Gooding High School in 1953, Rollie attended Idaho State College for four years, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. During his time there, he played on the basketball team, served as Vice President of the Sophomore Class, and participated in the ROTC program, graduating as a Lieutenant.

In 1957, Rollie served in the U.S. Army at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, where he spent six months on active duty and continued with the reserves for an additional 7.5 years.

On June 17, 1957, Rollie married his high school sweetheart, Mary Elizabeth “Zibby” Pyle. The couple settled in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Rollie served as President for Washington Federal Bank from 1975 until his retirement in 2005.

Rollie was actively involved in the Idaho Falls Country Club from 1975 to 2019. He served as President in 1979, was a four-time Senior Club Champion, achieved two holes-in-one, and shot his age numerous times. In addition, he held the position of President of the YMCA Board of Directors in 1975, and devoted years of continued service developing youth summer camps and Christmas tree sales. In 1977, Rollie was a member of the Citizen’s Committee advocating for the establishment of a new Idaho Falls City Library.

He and his wife, Zibby, were very active in the Presbyterian Church helping with Christmas baskets for the community, as well as giving to individual names on the Christmas tree.

Rollie had a passion for golf, playing bridge, handball, western movies, and reading books on American history. He and Zibby cherished their retirement winters in San Diego, California, and Sun City West, Arizona.

In the final year of his life, Rollie, resided at Fairwinds - Sand Creek, where he formed meaningful friendships and received exceptional care. He was also an active member of the Tuesday 2:00 p.m. coffee group, a gathering of golfing buddies who met weekly at Perkins.

Rollie is survived by his son, Paul Leeper; daughter, Ann Leeper; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Rod of Washington State; sister, Clarel of Indiana; and sister-in-law, Linda of Utah.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Zibby; his brother, Larry, who passed away in 2020; his brother, Frank, who passed away in infancy; and both of his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, in Ammon, Idaho, on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 1:30-3:30 pm.