Allen Ronald Thurston
December 10, 1952 – November 2, 2025
Allen Ronald Thurston, 72, of Niter, Idaho passed away on November 2, 2025, at his home on Highway 34. Born on December 10th, 1952, to James Noral and Geraldine Palmer Thurston.
Allen was a beloved brother, husband, father, and grandfather who dedicated his life to his family, faith, and quietly trying to better the world.
Allen grew up in Springfield, Idaho where he attended elementary school. He attended Junior High and High School in Aberdeen, graduating in 1971. From October 1975 to October 1977, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Germany, Hamburg mission.
Living in Salt Lake City in 1979, he met his “love at first sight”, Rachel Lucille Brown, and three months later they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together they shared 45 years of marriage, a remarkable legacy of love, devotion, and faith. Rachel was the most loving person he had ever met.
Allen was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Allen served in many callings in the church; Class Instructor, three times Ward Young Men’s President, Elder’s Quorum President, High Priest’s Group Leader Assistant, Counselor in the Bishopric, Ward Mission Leader, Stake Young Men’s President, and Stake High Councilor.
When asked about his career, Allen would answer “my family”. His occupation for thirty years was for a major aerospace firm in the Salt Lake Valley. He retired at age 58 in 2010.
At an early age, Allen observed the bondage and burden the personal debt creates. The goal to be debt free was realized in 2001 when the home mortgage was paid off. Oh, what freedom!
He was very tender hearted and gave up hunting and fishing as a teenager because he didn’t like taking life. Others may take life according to their conscience, and he enjoyed a good steak.
Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Noral and Geraldine Thurston, and his brother Blaine.
He is survived by two sisters; Noradene Sorensen and Diana Thurston, and by his devoted wife, Rachel, and their children and spouses: Marintha and Blake Halladay, Lisa and Joseph Taylor, Krista and Mike Blackmore, Joanna and Derreck Calkins, James and Jamie Thurston, Cindy Thurston, Sheron and Eric Berg, Cannon and Nicole Thurston. He leaves behind twenty-four wonderful grandchildren plus one on the way and two sweet granddaughters through marriage.
He was “Just a man, a Just man.”
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this time. We especially want to thank dad’s hospice team: Kaitlynn, Nichelle, Stephanie, Danny, Annique, and Shawtay for giving such loving care and support.
Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2060 Niter Bench Road, Grace, Idaho, 83241 on November 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM with viewings Monday November 10 from 6-7:00 PM , and November 11 from 10-11:30 AM