Melva Frances (Rathbun) Gregory

She attended schools in the Magic Valley area of Idaho and at BSU in Boise.

Melva married Maurice Erwin Gregory November 11th, 1941, in Twin Falls, Idaho.

To this union were born four children: Clark Gregory (deceased), Linda Wotipka of Orono, Minnesota, Dana (Marie) Gregory of Bayview, Texas, and Clinton Gregory of Boise.

Maurice and Melva traveled around the country to many construction jobs from east coast to west coast and northern Minnesota, spending eight years in California in the Redwood country. Always, Boise was home. Melva often worked with her husband in a bookkeeping and administrative capacity and was an avid gardener.

Melva’s main interests in life centered around home, family, and faith. It was in the spring of 1952 at Arcata, California, that together Maurice and Melva expressed their choice to follow Jesus which was a choice that brought them much joy and gave guidance in raising their children and living life.

Melva was preceded in death by Maurice, her husband of 76 years, her parents, her son Clark, her five brothers, Dale Rathbun, Russell Rathbun, Floyd Rathbun, Wayne Rathbun, and Ernest Rathbun, one grandson Dana Scott Gregory II, and her son-in-law Lee Wotipka.

She is survived by her sister Lola O’Neal of Lake Stephens, Washington, her sister-in-law Mildred Rathbun of Kennewick, Washington, three children, 16 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, great grandchildren, and many wonderful friends.

Melva passed into eternity peacefully from natural causes at 7:00 am on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at The Bridge at Valley View, Boise. The family especially appreciates her Hospice and other caregivers, and the special friends who helped her in her last few years. Her children would like her to be remembered as the woman who suggested that we “pull a weed, and plant a flower in its place.”

A viewing will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at the Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel. COVID-19 protocols will be adhered to regarding the number of people allowed at one time. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at 32279 Apple Valley Rd., Parma, ID. A private committal service will be held at a later date at Terrace Lawn Cemetery.