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Iva Fern Sleight

Apr. 28, 1936 - Mar. 20, 2025

Date of Service: Apr. 1, 2025

BURLEY – Iva Fern Sleight has gone to a huge family reunion in heaven. She will leave a huge void here and we will miss her beyond measure. She has always been the heart of the family. She passed away in her home at the age of 88, with loved ones near, on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Fern was born April 28, 1936, in Burley, Idaho, the eleventh of 12 children born to Frank and Dora Alice (Kidd) McLaws. She had nine brothers and two sisters, all of whom she outlived. She married her friend and love, Lewis Leon Sleight in 1956. They had three daughters, who she loves dearly, four grandchildren, who she loves more, 12 great-grandchildren, who she loves the most, and two great-great-grandchildren she cherishes.

She graduated from Burley High School and went on to business college in Boise prior to her marriage. She worked hard her entire life babysitting, working in the potato fields, waitressing, washing dishes, working in several factories, and in the laundry at a nursing home. The final job that she loved was working as a scale operator for J R Simplot. She retired from that job after 20 years. She enjoyed the work and the people she worked with.

Old and young alike were drawn to Fern because of her sweet and gentle spirit. She took care of many children throughout her life. Her door was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay, a meal to eat, or help getting on their feet. She was the neighborhood “beautician” to the elderly. She cared for her grandmother, mother, and several brothers at the end of their lives.

Fern enjoyed nature, gardening, canning, and reading – especially Louis L’Amour. She also loved poetry and could recite several Robert Service poems. She could still recite all of the counties in the State of Idaho. She enjoyed quilting, embroidery, and crocheting. In her later years she liked watching westerns and Judge Judy twice each day. Her favorite enjoyment in her life was her family.

Fern was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Primary, Relief Society, and at the Bishop’s Storehouse where she had many dear friends.

Fern was active in the PTA and was on the committee to have a traffic light placed at 8th Street and Overland Avenue. One of her favorite things to do was to serve as a poll worker during the elections – a responsibility she performed for many years. She loved and supported her country.

She is survived by her daughters, Michele Sleight and Debbie Sleight, both of Burley; three granddaughters, Nicole (George) Kinslow, Joni Castillo, and Rebekah Rich; six great-grandsons; five great-granddaughters; and two great-great-grandchildren. She has one surviving sister-in-law, Bessie McLaws; a cousin, Dennis Kidd; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to all of her siblings, Fern was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Cheryl Choate; grandson, Ernest Ramos, Jr., and great-grandson, Emric Rawson.

We express our gratitude to the good people at Intermountain Homecare and Hospice for all the help and compassion the gave to Fern.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, where family and friends will be received one hour prior to the service. Officiating will be President Mark Fillmore. Burial will follow at Declo Cemetery.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/1qYd9QtzVn8.

Condolences for Iva Fern Sleight

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Kirsten Mooso-Allred:

I just heard of Fern's passing. She was a patient of mine and the sweetest lady ever. I was saddened to hear of her death and she will be missed by our practice at Internal Medicine.

From Marsh Gurr :

Aunt Fern was the Aunt of Love and love was always felt in her home. She was a master gardener. Wanda and I wish Michele and Debbie and all of Aunt Fern's posterity love and the very best always! Uncle Lewis was my mother's baby brother. It was always nice to see Lewis and Fern when we traveled to Idaho and they came many times to Orem, Utah to see us. It was a beautiful service and I felt the Holy Spirit and Aunt Fern's sweet spirit.

From Teresa M. Carter:

I will truly miss her smile and her hugs! She was like a second mom to me, I use to run away to her home as a child and after Charles passed away, she informed me, I could still run away to her home. I will really miss her! My thoughts are prayers are for her family, that will deeply miss her the most!

From Sanie Baker:

She was a stalwart member of our ward and will truly be missed. She was blessed to have Michelle in her life. May you find peace in treasured memories.

From Brenda James:

Fern was such a sweet lady. Many times I would get to talk with her while delivering her mail. She was often times working in her garden and would bring me vegetables that she had grown. Always smiling, always joyful. You will be missed by so many. Praying for comfort to Debbie and her family. May God bless you all during this difficult time.

From Marsh Gurr :

Aunt Fern had the best garden in Idaho and always shared so generously. She also had the sweetest disposition and made us feel welcome whenever we stopped in. She loves her family and they love her. We wish her family the very best always! Marsh and Wanda Gurr

From Kathryn Hall:

Michele, I am sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. It was always so nice seeing her at church over the years. She was such a sweet person with a friendly greeting. As well I so admired what a caring daughter she had. I so much miss seeing my 7th Ward friends.

From Marsheila Hodge:

I admired her soft smile and that I always felt welcome. I told her one time that I was going to help her, she said "I can move faster than you!" Quick to smile, hig, play games, listen and had mad crocheting and cooking skills.
I miss her already.. My love and condolences to her family.

From Stan and Betty Rasmussen:

Our sincerest condolences for our lovely Fern. She always had a kind word and love for the Lord. Stay your family be comforted at this time.

From Guylia James :

Your Mom is so amazing! I loved her sweet smile. When you went to her home you left feeling better than when you got there! She will certainly be missed!!

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