LaRue Howard

LaRue Howard

(June 29, 1947 – February 26, 2025)

LaRue Klingler Howard, age 77, passed away February 26, 2025, at her daughter’s home surrounded by her loving family. LaRue was born June 29, 1947, in Rexburg, ID to Von Heitzman and Cleo LaRue Wellard Klingler.

She grew up in Hibbard, ID, attending Edmunds Elementary School and graduating from Sugar Salem High School in 1965. She made lifelong friends and always loved to attend class reunions or small gatherings of her childhood friends.

She met her handsome sweetheart Kay Lynn Howard, and they married in Rexburg, ID on September 23, 1966. She gained a stepson, Brett Welker who she loved so much. They were blessed with two daughters, Shantell, and Nikki. They made their home in Lyman.

She worked many jobs, cutting seed potatoes, working as the cake decorator for Rexburg Food Center for many years. She then took a job at the Ceramic Workshop where she learned many painting techniques. It brought out a special artistic talent that she was proud of and loved to teach and share with others. She attended ceramic shows where her pieces competed in various competitions, and she earned many first-place awards. Later she worked for the Madison School lunch program. She was an excellent cook and prided herself in making meals the kids would eat. It was during this time she was able to open her own ceramic shop and partner up with her best friend to make her dream come true. She spoke often of the love she had for all her co-workers, customers, bosses, and acquaintances. She had many that she considered a best friend, and many also considered her their best friend. She loved and was well loved in the community.

She had many hobbies, but she got the most enjoyment following and supporting her girls in rodeo, the Americana riding group, dance, softball, and various activities they were involved in. Some of her favorite things were shopping, crafting, camping with family, and she loved tending and caring for her beautiful yard and flowers. She was a lifetime member of the Upper Valley Wranglers and served as Secretary of the Wranglers, and Secretary of the Idaho State Riding Association for well over 30 years.

She enjoyed traveling and having adventures with her baby brother and two sisters. Their favorite pastime as siblings was to attend as many funerals as possible to see friends and family and top it off with a family dinner after.

She had a wonderful sense of humor and was the perfect person to tease because she always figured out a way to get you back. Her biggest fear was spiders, and her family always had a surprise to tease her with.

She is survived by her daughters Shantell (Don) Clements of Rexburg, ID; Nikki (Steve) Robison of Rigby/Montpelier, ID; Stepson Brett (Brenda) Welker of Pocatello, ID; Siblings Wayne (Karla) Klingler of Plano, ID; Colleen Passy of Rexburg, ID; Kathy (Allen) Stranger of Menan, ID; Bart Klinger of Rexburg, ID; Seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She is proceeded in death by her husband Kay Lynn Howard, Father Von Klingler, Mother Cleo Klingler, Father and Mother in-law, two sister in-laws, three brother in-law, two nephews and one great nephew.

Funeral services will be held Thursday March 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Lyman 1st Ward Chapel, 1952 West 6000 South, Rexburg, ID.

The family will visit with friends and family Wednesday March 5, 2025, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 West Main, Rigby, ID and Thursday at the church from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Interment will follow services at the Sutton Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.eckeresllfuneralhome.com