Cora Jean Hamilton Squires, age 86, of Rexburg, Idaho, died Tuesday, February 4, 2014 from natural causes.

She was born on February 8, 1927, to Milton Hamilton and Cora Bates Hamilton in Rexburg and was the older of two children.

She attended Madison schools, was a cheerleader and parade majorette and later graduated from Ricks College with an associate degree.

She was an accomplished tap dancer and performer and taught dance for several years to many area young people.

She married Reed E. Squires on June 25, 1947, in the Idaho Falls temple. They were blessed with five children.

She was an active member of the LDS Church and served in leadership positions in Primary, Young Women and Relief Society. She was dedicated to family history and genealogy. She wrote scripts for programs and activities. Her "Roadshows" earned acclaim and honors. Her poetry hangs on a wall in the Lincoln Elementary School in Rexburg. She worked in the PTA for many years.

Above all else, Cora Jean loved being a homemaker. Her family always came first. She was a wonderful cook and became an accomplished seamstress. She was a quilter and crafter and enjoyed gardening and flowers. She loved wildlife and fed the birds and squirrels living in her yard daily for much of her life.

Her favorite get-away was to her cabin in Island Park where she and Reed explored, fished and rode four-wheelers. They hosted picnics for family and friends for many years.

She is survived by her children Trudy Porter (Randall), Gina Jensen (Garth), Douglas, Tom (Jan), and Judd (LaWanna), 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister and two grandchildren. Her husband, Reed, died December 6, 2013.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 8, at 11:00 a.m. in the Rexburg Fourth/Fifteenth Ward building. Friends and family will meet one hour earlier in the Relief Society room. Burial will be in the Fielding Cemetery, Idaho Falls.