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In Memory

Maurine Lewis (Perkins) - Class of 1946

Julia Maurine Lewis Perkins passed away at Ashton Living Center on Wednesday, August 6, 2014, from causes related to age. Maurine was a loving mother and grandmother and will be missed deeply by her family. Maurine was born in Dingle, Idaho, on June 14, 1928, the youngest child of Thomas G. and Calla Booth Lewis. She had two sisters and three brothers. Maurine loved growing up on the family farm and working alongside her father doing many chores associated with farm life. Here is where she began to learn the value of hard work, which led to her becoming a tireless worker throughout her life. She even worked in the hayfields during World War II in order to purchase calves to raise.

Maurine went to school in Wardboro and Dingle and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1946. Later that year, she went to work for San Francisco Chemical Company, which later became Stauffer Chemical. While working with them, she furthered her education through correspondence courses. For many years, Maurine arose at 4:00 a.m. in preparation for her hour and a half commute to Leefe, Wyoming. She utilized this time to do household business as she was always used her time efficiently. Maurine continued to work for the chemical company until she retired in 1986. During her forty years with the company, Maurine worked as a bookkeeper, assistant office manager, payroll and insurance clerk, and personnel manager. She was known as the go-to person if anyone at work ever needed advice or help with their financial matters, and she would willingly help them without compensation. Maurine was a people-person, and always had a smile for others, even through the many physical trials she suffered.

On September 1, 1952, Maurine married I. Dean Perkins in Dingle, Idaho. They made their home in Montpelier, Idaho, where they raised their two sons, Guy and Rod. As a family, they loved to fish, hunt, and camp. They spent many happy hours with family and friends at their trailer lot and cabin in Alpine, Wyoming. After their children were grown, Dean and Maurine and their friends enjoyed many hours of summer cookouts in the hills surrounding the Bear Lake Valley.

In addition to a great love of the outdoors, Maurine had a passion for raising flowers and keeping an attractive home and yard. She spent many hours helping the Montpelier Beautification Committees and the Hospital Auxiliary Board with their flowers. She was also a charter member of the Business and Professional Women, a member of the Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary Board, a chairman of the local cancer fund raising drives, and a charter officer of the Montpelier Jaycettes many years ago. Likewise, she was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many of its organizations.

One of Maurine’s greatest joys in life was her family. No matter the day, holding one of her grandchildren would bring a smile to her face. She was extremely generous with her time and resources, devoting her life to caring for her family. She was blessed to have eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, whom she loved tremendously and who loved and respected her in return. She also had many nieces and nephews who brought her much joy and who loved to be entertained at Aunt Maurine’s home--often noting what a wonderful hostess she was.

On March 24, 1995, Dean passed away, but Maurine continued to live in Montpelier caring for her own home as well as two rental homes. However, in 2006, Maurine made the choice to sell her homes and move to St. Anthony, Idaho, to reside next to her son Rod and his family. Although Maurine left many friends behind when she moved, she soon made friends in St. Anthony. It was a blessing for Rod and his family to have her become a larger part of their lives; they made many happy memories together. Maurine continued to spend time gardening, fishing, helping around the house, and caring for her grandchildren up until her final days.

Maurine touched many lives, and she will be remembered for her love, loyalty, and dedication.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters--Audrey Lewis and Beulah (Thiel) Smith; and three brothers-- Calvert (Agnes) Lewis, Merrill (Ramona) Lewis, and Ralph (Virginia) Lewis. Maurine is survived by her sons Guy (Lora) Perkins of Smithfield, Utah, and Rod (Linda) Perkins of St. Anthony, Idaho. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 11, at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Anthony 4th LDS Ward chapel (507 W. 2nd N.) The family will receive friends on Sunday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Bert Flamm Mortuary (581 E. 1st N., St. Anthony) and on Monday from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. at the church. A graveside service will be held at 6:00 p.m. in the Montpelier, Idaho Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.flammfh.com