Marie Rivers

Marie Rivers, age 93, of Boise, Idaho passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at Saint Lukes Regional Medical Center of Boise, Idaho. Marie was born Wednesday, August 14th, 1929, in Deer Flats, Idaho to the late Nellie (Vanderwilt) Miller. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her dear husband Albert “Skip” Rivers, four brothers: Harvey, Ted, John and Dirk Miller, and a baby granddaughter, Shay Rivers.

Marie was the proud wife of her late husband, Skip, a veteran who was a defender and survivor of Wake Island and remained a very active member of The Survivors of Wake Island of Boise, Idaho after his passing July 26th, 2003.

Marie’s mother moved their family to Boise, Idaho soon after her birth where she lived her entire life. Marie met and married her husband and best friend Skip after his return home from WWII, and they happily raised 3 children together.

Marie had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed traveling the Pacific Northwest, Utah, Montana, California, Arizona, Nevada, and Canada with Skip, where she happily served as his “Co-pilot” on endless road trips together. Later in life, Marie also traveled to Mexico, Holland, and Thailand. She loved all growing things and was an avid gardener and tended to beautiful vegetable and flower gardens at her home in addition to being extremely talented in floral arrangements. She also loved visiting and playing with her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, wine-tasting, playing cards with family, friends and at the Boise Senior Center. She loved watching sports and documentaries, telling stories, and cooking and baking. Marie was known for her culinary skills, producing the best fried chicken, home-made noodles, pies, and cakes on this Earth. She made peanut brittle, fudge, divinity, and cookies every Christmas, and is still remembered by many for handing out her signature popcorn balls every Halloween. She always said Thanksgiving was “her” holiday and prepared the most beautifully set and mouthwatering homemade dinners for well over 60 years for her entire family. Marie loved peaches (Elberta only for those who know!), and canned hundreds of jars in what would be referred to as “Hell’s Kitchen” due to the resulting heat, every August for her family and friends to enjoy over the winter months. A very talented seamstress and designer, she made clothing, coats and many beautiful ballet and performance costumes. One year, she made 148 ballet costumes for the Lloyd Carlton Ballet Studio. Marie was extremely intelligent, a great conversationalist, obtained her accounting license after her children were grown, and served as an accountant at the Idaho Department of Corrections.

Marie is survived by her children; Nancy Reed, Val Rivers (Kristi), and Penne Duran (Steve), grandchildren (great grandchildren); Samantha Bree Reed (Graeme, Stella, and Bate Sadler), Jordan Rivers (Posey Rivers), Emilee Rivers, Carissa Ingram (Ace and Knox Ingram), and Cole Duran.

Marie lived a life worthy of admiration, respect and more love than can be adequately expressed in words. She will live forever by having created something that does; endless beautiful memories of laughter and joy in those she touched.