Mary Poole

Mary Jane Poole, 62, of Rexburg, Idaho, passed away June 12, 2026. She was born January 8, 1964, in Quantico, Virginia, to Howard Thomas Poole, Sr. and Ruth Ann (McGuire) Poole.

Mary graduated from Wichita High School Heights in 1982 and shortly after answered the call to serve her country in the United States Army. She was grateful for her time in the Army and for the lessons it instilled in her — including, by her own proud account, the ability to completely disassemble and reassemble an Army jeep. After her military service, Mary devoted herself to the education and care of young children, completing coursework in Preschool and Child Development and building an early career in early childhood education. She believed deeply in the power of learning alongside children, and a quote she carried close to her heart reflected that conviction: "By teaching, I also become a student. I still have much to learn." She felt that her time with young children opened her eyes to new possibilities, and the little ones she cared for stayed with her always — she spoke of them often and with great warmth throughout her life.

Later in life, Mary pursued further education at Eastern Idaho Technical College, earning her Paralegal certificate in 2006. She went on to serve the Law Office of Val Dean Dalling Jr. with dedication until 2024. True to the motto she lived by, Mary never stopped pursuing knowledge — whether in her professional life, her personal studies, or her faith.

Mary was a lifelong, devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was baptized in 1973 and later received her temple endowment at the Washington D.C. Temple in 1988. Her faith was full and her love of the gospel unwavering. Until the very end of her life she pursued growth in both secular and spiritual learning, always with an open mind and a willing heart.

Mary was a woman of quiet strength and gentle dignity. She kept largely to herself, maintaining an organized, tidy home and a well-ordered life that reflected her character. She held firmly to the belief that people should treat one another with respect — a value she modeled without fanfare in everything she did. Those who knew her well were treated to a subtle sense of humor and a genuine love of laughter and a good story. She remained active and engaged until the very end, preferring to walk rather than drive, trusting her feet to keep her body useful and her spirit connected to the world around her. In her quieter moments she could be found reading, enjoying music, working on cross stitch, or crafting — pursuits that suited a woman who found meaning in patience, care, and attention to detail.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard Thomas Poole, Sr. and Ruth Ann Poole, and her beloved brother, Howard Thomas Poole, Jr. She is survived by her six sisters: Kathleen (Bowman McCune), Eileen (Gamber), Janine (Ingram LeForis), Rhonda (Keough Parsons), Barbara, and Deanna (Killet).

In keeping with Mary's wishes, a simple graveside dedication will be held in her honor.