Lorenzo Ralph (Ren) Edwards passed away, Wednesday, February 6, 2013, peacefully with his family by his side at the age of 75 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Ren was born on October 6, 1937 in Malad ID to Warren and Kate Edwards. He was raised with his nine brothers and sisters on a farm on the west side of Malad valley. He was a member of the LDS Church. He started his education in Pleasant View, and after three years he went to Malad School, graduating in 1955. He had five children with Ava Facer in his first marriage. Ren was married to Shannon Hobbs and later divorced. Ren worked for Wonder Bread and Hostess as a driver salesman for 31 years before retiring.
In 1982 he married the love of his life Ruth Chatterton Spraker and added four more children to their family. They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls temple. Ren and Ruth were incredibly happy and enjoyed all of their children. They had many great memories traveling in their motor home, visiting thirty five states during their travels including three trips to Alaska.
Ren was always active in all sports. His kids often remarked how much time they spent at the gym and the ball diamonds following their dad as he was still playing outlaw basketball and fast pitch softball. He was an avid hunter and loved to go with his father, brothers and sons. There was always a hunting story when they got together. He loved to go camping and four wheeling with their grandchildren. Ren loved his family and looked forward to the reunions they had every year.
He officiated football and basketball at the high school and college level for 30 years, working many championship and playoff games. He worked the Big Sky tournament in basketball and NIT games in his career. When he retired from officiating he was inducted into the Big Sky Football hall of fame. He was the basketball and football commissioner for the 5th district for many years.
He is survived by his loving wife Ruth, his children Denise (Steve) Walker, Marla (Brett) Arnold, Vance (Lorri) Edwards, Rebecca Siebert (Tony Longshaw), Bart Spraker, Jeff (Tiffany) Spraker, Nicolette (Steve) Carpenter, Robin (Jason) Smith. Eighteen grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren with 3 more on the way, one brother, David (Alice) Edwards, three sisters Kathleen (Gary) Allen, Carol (Terrel) Jones, Donna Gayle (Frank) Madsen and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Bruce, and five brothers Stanley, Cleon, Danny, Darrel and Kelly.
We would like to thank the Portneuf Cancer Center doctors and nurses in the lab, along with the Infusion Center staff. A special thanks to our neighborhood for helping us out the last few years.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 12, at 12 noon in the Chubbuck LDS 4th Ward Chapel. Friends may visit with the family on Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at the church and again from 10:30-11:45am at the church on Tuesday prior to the service. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Horsley Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.horsleyfuneralhome.com