RUPERT – Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great- grandmother, Verda Alice Okelberry Etherington, joined her eternal companion, Charles Wheeler Etherington, on Thursday, July 4, 2013, at the age of 93. She passed away peacefully in her home in Rupert.

Verda was born on Jan. 17, 1920, in Oakley, Idaho, to James and Emily Okelberry. She was the middle of 13 children.

She grew up in Oakley where she met her mate, Charles Wheeler Etherington. They were married in Burley, Idaho, on May 4, 1940, and later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Idaho LDS Temple on June 18, 1947.

To this union were born five girls and five boys, nine of which are still surviving, Lela (John) Joses, of Ione, Calif., Clifford (Gloria) Etherington, of Kennewick, Wash., Jim (Connie) Etherington, of Rock Springs, Wyo., George (Judy) Etherington, of Layton, Utah, Ann (Danny) Ramsey, and Steven (Karma) Etherington, of Rupert, Idaho, Teena (Mike) Zemke, of Paul, Idaho, Becky (John) Schuelke, of South Jordan, Utah, and Laurie Perotto (Bryant Bauer), of Rupert, Idaho; 42 grandchildren; 75 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren, with two on the way.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by one brother, Dean Okelberry, of Pocatello, Idaho; and a daughter-in-law, Mary Etherington, of Spokane, Wash.

Verda was preceded in death by her parents; seven sisters; four brothers; her husband; one son, Charles Etherington Jr.; and a grandson, Danny Ramsey Jr.

She served faithfully in numerous callings in the LDS Church. Verda loved serving others and was a perfect example of Christ-like service. She was always providing dinners to others. Her motto was, "If you left her house hungry, it was your own fault."

She loved to quilt and all her children and many grandchildren have slept a many of nights under them, with the love and comfort that she wanted to provide.

Her joy in later life was to attend the temple with many of her friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend to us all. We will miss her dearly.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation to Dr. Jeffery Swenson, Minidoka Memorial Home Health and Hospice and staff, and the many family members that have helped care for Verda.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to either Minidoka Memorial Home Health and Hospice or, to the missionary fund of the LDS Church.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, at the Pleasant View Cemetery, 1645 E. 16th St., in Burley with Bishop Kelly Allen officiating. Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday, July 8, and from 9 until 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley.