Thelma Ruth Summers McMurtrey, 98, of Ririe, Idaho passed away in her childhood home on Saturday, March 24, 2018.

She was born November 26, 1919, in Ririe to William and Elsie Clifford Summers. She was the fourth in a family of 13 children. She attended grade school at Antelope and Ririe and high school at Idaho Falls and Ririe. She spent most of her youth cooking for men on her parents’ dry farm in Antelope.

She married Alma McMurtrey April 27, 1939, in Rigby. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple July 21, 1951. They lived in Logan, Utah, Rigby and near Ririe. Alma passed away August 14, 1999, after 61 years of marriage.

She has three children. She also raised six of her brothers and sisters after the death of her parents.

She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was the first Primary President of the new Ririe Second Ward and served for 16 years. She was also a counselor in the Relief Society, MIA and taught many classes. She was always a visiting teacher.

Thelma was a secretary for Bonded Produce, Ririe’s Grain Growers, Eastern Idaho Special Services and Ririe Senior Center, Jefferson County Historical Society and Farnsworth TV and Pioneer Museum. She was PTA President and held other offices. She helped organize the museum and the Jefferson Historical Society. She received the Esto Perpetua Award from the Idaho State Historical Society in Boise in October 2004. She wrote original poetry and gave readings. Thelma and her husband Alma enjoyed square dancing for many years and was secretary of the “Nice to Know Ya” club. She was a correspondent for the Jefferson Star and the Post Register for many years. Thelma was clerk at general election for 49 years. She has always collected antiques and has the “East Breeze” Museum by her home.

She is survived by her daughters, Linda (Bob) Middleton of Pocatello and Vicki (Ron) Engberson of Monteview, a son, Bruce (Carolyn) McMurtrey of Ririe, and her younger brother Robert Summers, along with 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, William and Elsie, her husband Alma, 11 siblings, a son in law and 2 grandsons.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 30, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Ririe Stake Center (14061 N 130 E Ririe). The family will visit with friends, Thursday, March 29, 2018 at the Ririe Stake Center from 6:30 to 8:00 pm and prior to the service on Friday from 9:30 to 10:45 am. Interment will follow services at the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery.