Nov. 11, 1939 - Jan. 4, 2026
Date of Service: Jan. 10, 2026
BURLEY– Ellis LaMar “Marty” Gillette, an 86-year old resident of Burley, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, surrounded by his family at Highland Estates in Burley.
Marty was born on November 11, 1939, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the eldest child of Ellis and Edna Gillette. Two sisters, Renae and LuDean, joined the family; then, in 1954, his family moved to Burley, where he continued to live for the rest of his life.
Marty graduated from Burley High School, which is where he met his future wife, RaeDene Biggs. On August 14,1959, Marty and RaeDene married. Together they raised four children, John, Colleen, Debbie and Wendy. Marty was a very hard worker and followed his dad’s example with a career in road construction. He worked in the construction industry for several companies, but the majority of his career was with Gordon Paving. After this career, RaeMar was founded by Marty and RaeDene, and he continued to work well into his 70s striping parking lots. He was a bit of a perfectionist and did great work. He always talked about the next job he still needed to do.
Marty spent many years fishing with his dad when he was younger. There were many trips to Sun Valley where he loved to visit and play. He also enjoyed getting in a round at the golf course. When his body wouldn’t allow this to continue, he still made trips to the golf course to visit with the people there. He was an avid sports supporter of the teams that win - he has many different team coats that support this trend. He was a winner.
Marty was preceded in death by his mother, Edna Gillete; his father, Ellis Gillete; and a sister, Renae Renz.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, RaeDene; sister, LuDean Warren; children, John Gillette, Colleen Brunson, Debbie Greene (Mark), and Wendy Pool (Jim-partner); fifteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff at Highland Estates and Intermountain Home Health and Hospice for the compassionate care our dad received while he was a resident and during his final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 10, at The New Life Assembly Church, located at 254 S. Highway 24, in Rupert, with Pastor Dan Renz officiating.
Floral deliveries for the service can be delivered to the New Life Assembly church on Friday, Jan. 9, between 3p.m. to 5p.m.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate to the service fund, please Venmo to @Debbie-Greene-40.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.