Neva Rae Brown Koontz

Neva Rae Brown Koontz, age 87, passed away September 22, 2024, in Idaho Falls, at the home of her daughter. She was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho. A special thanks to son-in-law, Bart Martin, and granddaughter, Cassidy Martin, who assisted Kathy in caring for her mother.

Neva was born July 30, 1937, in Idaho Falls Idaho, to Jesse Brown and Vada Wilding Brown. She grew up in Milo and Ucon, where music and sports were a big part of her life. She graduated from Bonneville High School in 1955.

She attended Ricks College in Rexburg, ID, and Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID, as a PE Major. She was a member of the ISU Girls’ Intramural Sports team where she swam, bowled, played basketball, volleyball, softball, and ping pong. Additionally, she played the clarinet as a member of band.

On December 7, 1957, Neva married Jesse Raymond Koontz. They traveled from coast to coast, with the United States Navy, and were blessed with the addition of 3 daughters over the years. Neva got involved in whatever city they were stationed and played competitive fast-pitch softball on the base.

In 1973, Neva was honored to receive the distinguished Navy Wife of the Year award, from the 3rd District of the Navy, in New York. After 20 years of service, Jesse retired from the Navy, and the family moved back to Idaho. They later divorced, and she never remarried.

Neva worked hard, often holding multiple jobs at a time. She retired from Smith Chevrolet as the Accounting Manager and Corporate Secretary. Even after retirement, she was called on for her financial and auto dealership expertise and became a consultant.

Neva made lifelong friends and kept in contact with many of them right up to her final days. Whether golfing, playing bridge, dining out, or just exchanging jokes, Neva enjoyed her friends immensely.

Neva was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served on the PEO Scholarship Committee and the Bonneville High School class-reunion committee for many years. She loved to cook and enjoyed trying new recipes.

Neva is survived by her children, Debra Ann Koontz of Quartzite, AZ, Katherine (Bart) Martin of Idaho Falls, ID, Teri Rae Koontz of Quartzite, AZ; 8 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; great-grandparents; brother, Keith Brown; sisters, Linda Knickerbocker and Jessie Phillips; and grandson, Shawn Ryder.

Services are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Friday, October 11, 2024, at The Brickyard Event Center,1025 S. Ammon Road, Ammon, ID 83406. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11-11:30 a.m. prior. A luncheon will immediately follow the services.

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