Verla Rae Mortensen

Verla Rae Mortensen, age 82, of Idaho Falls, died at the home of her daughter, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. Verla Rae was born in Malad, Idaho on August 1, 1932, to Sarah Verla Morse Hill and Ray Hill. She had one younger sister, Shirley, who died at birth, when Verla Rae was about two years old. Verla Rae was, essentially, raised as an only child. She developed a love for books at a young age, and this has continued throughout her life.
Verla Rae grew up in Samaria, Idaho, near Malad. She met Boyd Wendell Mortensen, from Salem, Idaho, at a community dance in Malad, when she was fourteen years old. Boyd was working for his Uncle in Bear River at the time. Boyd and Verla were married, four years later, at her family home in Samaria, on September 22, 1950.
Verla Rae and Boyd were members of the Rebekah's and Odd Fellows Lodge, respectively. They made many lifelong friends through this service organization. Verla Rae loved to read, and she belonged to Friends of the Library, volunteering for several years at the Idaho Falls Public Library.
Verla Rae was an excellent seamstress and also enjoyed crafts when she was younger. The family enjoyed many trips down to Samaria and up to Salem to visit family. After Boyd retired, he and Verla Rae spent most summers at their home in Samaria.
Verla Rae worked at H&R Block on First Street in Idaho Falls, during tax season, for 37 years. She enjoyed the work and the people she worked with.
Verla Rae was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, and she served in the Primary for many years. She also took on some rowdy little cub scouts by becoming their den mother. She became the most fun, creative, and favorite den mother of all time.
Verla Rae is survived by a daughter, Shana Renae Woodbury, and a son, W. Ray (Gay Lyn) Mortensen, both of Idaho Falls. She is also survived by a granddaughter, Jennifer Ann Mortensen, and six grandsons; Martin (Marsha) Woodbury, David (Rachelle) Woodbury, Stephen (Alaina) Woodbury, Scott Woodbury, Dustin Woodbury, and Alex Woodbury. Verla Rae is also survived by one great-grandson, Benjamin Woodbury, and one great-granddaughter, Antoinette Woodbury, along with many friends whom she considered family.
Verla Rae was preceded in death by her husband, Boyd (2006); two infant daughters, Linda Diane and Shayle; two infant sons, Boyd and William Tyrel; a granddaughter, Stacy Jo Mortensen; and by her parents.
Verla Rae was very kind and loving and the most gracious, unselfish person you could ever meet. She never lost her sense of wonder and was always up for an adventure. Verla Rae came from a loving family, and she continued that tradition in her own family. We trust that she is having a grand reunion in Heaven right now. She loved well, and she was well loved. We will miss her.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2014, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3rd Ward, 2025 Jennie Lee Drive in Idaho Falls, with Bishop Carroll Perkes, officiating. Burial will follow at the Rexburg Cemetery in Rexburg. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2014, at Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home, 825 E. 17th Street in Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Online condolences may be left at www.buckmillerhann.com.

Service Details.

Visitation

When: Friday, August 8th, 2014
Location: Funeral Home
Address:

Second Visitation

When: Saturday, August 9th, 2014
Location: Funeral Home
Address:

Service

When: Saturday, August 9th, 2014
Location: Funeral Home
Address: