Obituary
Rulon “Jay” Callister
April 3rd, 1941 - September 28th, 2024
Jay Callister passed away on September 28, 2024 at Bingham Memorial Hospital.
Rulon “Jay” Callister was born on April 4, 1941 to Rulon Jones and Margaret Smith Callister in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the oldest of seven children born to this union and the family welcomed several foster brothers over the years.
Jay was active in FFA in his youth and served as the State FFA Secretary. He enjoyed family gatherings and visiting with his cousins. One of the favorite gatherings was spending time at Aunt Lila’s and having her homemade root beer and doughnuts.
Several events had major impacts on his life. At 14 he lost an argument with a baler and almost lost a leg. The accident resulted in physical limitations and was a challenge for the rest of his life. Jay liked the farm life and tried farming multiple times, but struggled becoming a successful farmer. Jay graduated from Blackfoot High School and Idaho State University. He also served a 2.5-year mission in the Spanish American Mission where he learned to speak Spanish like a native. The mission and Spanish language opened up a world of new friends and provided job opportunities.
After returning home from his mission, he went on a blind date and met Marjean Rooks who became his wife on October 23, 1964 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together they had 14 children and later divorced.
Jay is proceeded in death by his parents Rulon and Margaret, Foster Brother Herman Red Elk, son Michael, grandson Travis Maybee, Great-grandson Elliot Callister. He is survived by brothers Lee, Seth (Renee), and Don (Kris) and sisters Anne (Wayne) Lott, Lois (Nick) Lang, and Grace (Gary) Bauer.
Surviving children are David (Makayla), Carolynn (Robert) Maybee, Katherine (Doug) Willyerd, Mark, Shawnee (Todd) Larsen, Charles (Robin), Rulon, John (Gina), Craig (Ariel), Rebecca (McKay) Kesler, Rachel (Troy) Earl, Heather (Shane) Smith, and Orson (Crystal), 47 Grandchildren, and 20 great- grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held October 12, 2024 at noon at the Blackfoot First ward building located at 1650 Highland Drive, Blackfoot, Idaho.
