Reba May Ranstrom, age 95, a longtime resident of Marsh Valley, passed away on Monday, September 18th, 2017 in Burley, Idaho. Reba was born on May 11th, 1922 in Pocatello, Idaho where she grew up and attended school. She is the daughter of William Louis and Myrtie Olive Harr. William and Myrtie had four children. Myrtie also had four children from a previous marriage that ended when her first husband was tragically killed. Four of Reba’s brothers and sisters died in infancy or before reaching full maturity. With the death of her siblings and her father early in her life, Reba learned to cope with adversity and to have love and compassion for others. These character traits together with her faith in Jesus Christ are the hallmarks of her life.

Reba married Merrill William Ranstrom on April 16th, 1938. They were later sealed in the Logan Utah LDS Temple. Merrill and Reba made their home in Arimo, Idaho where they raised their eight children. They worked side by side in the Arimo Garage and enjoyed the small town life.

Reba is a happy and energetic woman who loves people and loves life. She is a practical joker and is quick to laugh. Reba was very involved in her church and community; serving in various leadership positions in the church and in the Cultural Arts Club and other organizations. When Reba’s youngest daughter went to school Reba followed her, becoming a hot lunch cook in Arimo for many years. She was a great cook both at home and at school and became the friend of many many children through the years.

Merrill Ranstrom passed away in 1991. After living alone in Arimo for about ten years Reba moved to Eagle, Idaho in 2001 to be close to family there. In 2013 she moved to Burley, Idaho, again to be near family. Most of all, Reba loved to be with her children and grandchildren. They brought great joy into her life.

Reba is survived by her children; Thomas (Carolyn) Ranstrom of Pocatello, Idaho; Marilyn (Delon) Huse of Jerome, Idaho; JoAnn Hall of Lakeside, Arizona; Steve (Ronda) Ranstrom of Burley, Idaho; Allan (Pam) Ranstrom of Eagle, Idaho; Neal (Paula) Ranstrom of Pinetop, Arizona; Carol (Alan) Pettitt of Hendersonville, Tennessee; and a posterity numbering 161 and growing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, her husband, Merrill Ranstrom, one son, Gene Ranstrom, one grandson and one great grandson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the Arimo LDS Stake Chapel. Friends may visit with the family for 1 hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will follow in the Arimo Cemetery.