Rulon Eugene "Gene" Rigby was called home Sunday morning September 13, 2015. His wife of 67 years and his little watch dog Baxter were at his side.


He was born November 7, 1926 in Felt, Idaho to Rulon Remington Rigby and Virginia Wayment Rigby. He was the oldest child in a family of five children. He grew up in Parker, Idaho and helped on the family farm and ranch.


He met his future bride Zola Carlson. He accepted her invitation to a Sadie Hawkins dance. They were married in 1948. From this marriage a great posterity has grown to 98 with the 3 more on the way making a total of 101.

He was a World War II veteran having served in the US Army as the war was coming to a close.


In his early marriage, he worked for Remington Farms, Then at Hooperdeitzel's Cheese Factory and Challenge Dairy as a cheese maker. He worked in the mining industry and eventually returned to Parker. He started a family business in the timber. He enjoyed the satisfaction of a hard day's work. He enjoyed gardening and worked hard to make sure there was always some to share.


He is a gentle soul and loved having his family around him – especially the little ones. He really loved small animals and had great compassion for them.


He had strong religious convictions and loved his Heavenly Father and Savior.


He is survived by his wife Zola and their children; Sherwin (Rene), Darwin, Julie (Dennis) Murri, Mickie, Tami (Brian) Warner, Kelly, Fawn (Don) Whitaker, Robin (Brent) Klein, and James. His sisters , Ladell Miller and Shirley Yancey. He was preceded in death by his son Kevin and daughter in law Alice Rigby, grandson Jeffery Rigby and great grandson Killian Rigby, his brothers Larry and Monty, and his parents.


Funeral services will be held Friday, September 18, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Egin LDS Ward Chapel with Bishop Lavar Hunter officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 at the church. Burial will be in the Parker Cemetery under the direction of Bert Flamm Mortuary.