Jan. 28, 1931 - Dec. 20, 2024
Date of Service: Dec. 30, 2024
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Verna Dean Wixom King
BURLEY – Verna Dean Wixom King, a 93-year-old resident of Burley, passed away Friday, December 20, 2024, at The Canyons Retirement Community in Twin Falls.
We are honored to share the life story of a woman who meant so much to so many of us – whether you knew her as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, or friend. Verna Dean King was truly a woman of strength, love, and unwavering faith.
Verna Dean was born January 28, 1931, in Blackfoot, Idaho, to Franklin David and Zella Jane Walters Wixom. She was the eighth of nine children, and from the very beginning, she was surrounded by a large, loving family. As a child, she lived in Blackfoot until her family moved to Burley when she was eight years old. It was in Burley where Verna graduated from high school in 1950, and worked at Morgan Hardware.
In 1958, Verna and Daniel Rees King were married in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, beginning a new chapter in their lives. With this union, Daniel was blessed to bring his three beautiful daughters, DeLeah, Nanette, and Penney, into the marriage; Verna welcomed them with love and open arms. Together, Verna and Dan were overjoyed to expand their family, and in time, they were blessed with three children of their own, Daniel, Darla, and Mary. Though their time together was tragically cut short when Dan passed away in a car accident in 1965, Verna's resilience and unwavering faith carried her forward. Through the years, she maintained a close, nurturing relationship with all of her children, fostering bonds that kept them united and strong. The love and closeness she cultivated within her family created a foundation of enduring support, one that would remain a guiding force throughout their lives.
In the years following Dan’s passing, Verna embarked on a journey of personal growth and education. She enrolled in college while raising her young children, determined to create a better future for her family. While going to school she worked at West Minico Junior High School, Southwest Elementary and Overland Elementary schools as a librarian. Her hard work and determination led her to graduate from Idaho State University in 1974 with a degree in Elementary Education. Verna would go on to inspire generations of young children as she taught at Springdale Kindergarten until her retirement in 1996. Her love for learning and teaching was evident in all she did, and the impact she made on her students was immeasurable.
Verna was a deeply faithful woman, and her devotion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shaped much of her life. She served a mission at the Bishop’s Storehouse in Burley, worked in both the Boise Idaho and Twin Falls Idaho Temples, and was a dedicated visiting teacher. She also served in many other church callings, always with a heart full of service and a desire to help others draw closer to Christ.
In addition to her faith, Verna had an immense capacity for love and service. In their final years Verna cared for her aging parents, Frank and Zella, and was there for her siblings whenever they needed her. Her love extended beyond just her immediate family. Verna had a deep and lasting bond with her extended family, and her acts of kindness and selflessness were felt by all who knew her.
Verna had a spirit of adventure and love for life. She found joy in the small moments – whether it was spending time with her children and grandchildren or supporting their various activities. She was a true cheerleader for her family, always ready to lend a hand or offer words of encouragement. Her energy, enthusiasm, and love for her family were truly infectious, and we all feel incredibly blessed to have had her in our lives.
Verna leaves behind a beautiful legacy that includes: Dan (Tammy) King, Darla (Kent) Hurst, Mary (Scott) Walker, DeLeah (James) Eavenson and Nanette (Dee) Hinck. She is also survived by an incredible 17 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Marj Larsen and Helen Ivie. Her legacy lives on in each of us, in the values she instilled, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave.
Verna was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Rees King; her daughter, Penney (Sherwin) Gertz; a great-grandson, Bard LeFevre; her parents Frank and Zella Wixom; as well as her siblings, Don, Ada, Marion, Elna, Clyde, and Paul. Though we mourn her loss, we take comfort in knowing that Verna is now reunited with those she loved so dearly.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the kind caregivers at The Canyons Retirement Community and Heritage Hospice for the thoughtful care and service they provided to Verna during her final years.
Verna Dean Wixom King was a woman who embodied love, faith, and selflessness. She lived a life of service, and in doing so, she touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Thank you, Verna, for the love you gave, the lessons you taught, and the legacy you leave behind. You will forever be in our hearts.
The funeral will be held at noon Monday, December 30, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Burley 7th Ward, located at 2200 Oakley Ave., in Burley, with Bishop Eric Pierce officiating. Burial will follow at Gem Memorial Gardens in Burley.
Family and friends will be received from 10:30 until 11:45 a.m. Monday, prior to the service, at the church.
A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/lonw8X5Zmdg.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.
