DaLores LaVon Haley-Berggren

DaLores “De” LaVon Haley-Berggren, 75, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully August 10, 2024, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

De was born on June 19, 1949, to Rufus Byrd Whitman and Evelyn Virginia Likes-Standlee in Lynwood, California. Her family soon relocated to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where De grew up and spent the majority of her life raising a family and working in the banking industry.

In 1967, she married Valdean Colvin, and welcomed her first son, Richard Dean Colvin, then later divorced. In 1969, De married Richard F. Haley and welcomed her second son, Nickolas Dee Haley, they later divorced. De continued to focus on raising her sons and establishing her career that she cherished greatly. In 1986, De met Arnie Berggren, and in 1991, he became her life partner until she laid her head to rest in 2024.

De had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile. She was a private and quiet person, but also very witty and fun to be around. Even though she was strong-willed, stubborn, and independent, those traits are what defined De in her daily life. They were part of who she was, and her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with the life’s challenges throughout.

De’s hard work and determination propelled her career where she held several leadership and executive positions in the financial and legal industry. She began her journey working for West One and US Bank, but then finding her true calling at Westmark Credit Union. During her time at Westmark, De was able to establish herself personally and professionally where she developed lasting relationships that meant the world to her. De has since been retired as VP of Legal and Collections since 2016.

Independency and drive continued early in life when she would load up the camper and boat to take the kids to the mountains camping and fishing. Her other hobbies and interests included art, horse back riding, karate, billiards, English Mark Darts, and lastly becoming a devoted Nascar fan. De was at her happy place watching the Nascar races in person with her best friend, Arnie. This love for racing quickly became an experience that she wanted to share with her family that spanned over twenty years. The family was blessed with the opportunity to share in this experience in 2024, and the time spent will be cherished forever.

De lived her life the best she knew and left this earth wishing the love to her family and friends. While our hearts mourn the loss, we take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering and in pain. We all understand the plan, and De knows that we will see one another again.

She is survived by her husband, Arnie Lee Berggren of Idaho Falls, ID; her three sons, Richard Dean Colvin (Lorna) of Idaho Falls, ID, Nickolas Dee Haley (Krista) of Boise, ID, Justin Lee Colvin (Lynleigh) of Rigby, ID; siblings, Richard Whitman of Idaho Falls, ID, Harold Whitman (Debbie) of Boise, ID, Clarence Whitman (Linda) of Shelley, ID; 11 grandchildren, Thomas Colvin, Heather Howe (Camren), Deidre Colvin, Kayla Haley-Agbeko (Gideon), Mason Haley, Jacob Haley, McKenzie Haley, Peyton Colvin, Sidonah Colvin, Jaedrik Colvin; 3.1 great-grandchildren, Aiden Colvin, Levi Garner, and Dyken Howe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rufus Byrd Whitman and Evelyn Virginia Likes-Standlee; brother, William (Billy) Gorden High of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, Mary Elizabeth Whitman Colvin of Idaho Falls, ID; nephews, Jody (Joe) Colvin and Jason Colvin of Idaho Falls, ID; and first husband, Richard F. Haley of California.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road.

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