Mahlon Rupp

Mahlon Earl Rupp, 103, passed away peacefully in Nampa, Idaho on Thursday, June 12, 2014. He was born in Blackfoot, Idaho on September 4, 1910 to George Earl Rupp and Ruby E Baker. He was the oldest of eight children. He was born on a 40 acre farm in a one room house. His Grandparents lived on 80 acres nearby. An early memory of Mahlon's was running over in his diaper each morning to have breakfast with his Granddad. When Mahlon was seven his Grandparents moved to Pocatello and his family soon followed. Mahlon graduated from high school after laying out to work for five years. His mother was ill for many years and he help out with his siblings. He graduated in 1933 and started dating Ila Burnham from a family of seven girls. She was refined and smart. They started their lives together and his mother died from cancer that same year. Later that year their wedding was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. He was active in the LDS church all his life holding many positions. Mahlon, a longtime resident of Pocatello, wore many hats. He worked for the railroad, WPA, National Bisquit, sold insurance and real estate, finished his career with FHA , retiring in 1976 in Pocatello. During these years he was building an estate, buying old houses, remodeling them and turning them into apartments. He was hard working and a man of many talents. He was never too busy for family. They had twenty years of retirement in Yuma --golfing, dancing, singing, and fishing with his brothers and their wives. During their time in Pocatello they bowled, took oil painting classes--he sold three of his pictures. They loved to take their boat to the ocean and enjoyed their summer days with their successful salmon catches. He moved to Nampa to be near family in their latter years and moved to Karcher Estates in 2002. First in independent living and then to assisted living. During his years in Nampa he sang with the senior choir. He frequently sang solos. He had many request for "Danny Boy" with his beautiful tenor voice. His last public performance was at age 101 and he sang, "That Wonderful Mother of Mine" for a Mother's Day program at church. Ila passed away in 2012 after spending two years in the skilled nursing after falling and breaking her hip. He was devoted to the end. Going to her room and holding her hand each day. They were married 78 years. Mahlon's Rules: Keep your word, shake hands firmly and look the person in the eye, do favors and help people, waste not want not, and stand up straight. Mahlon Rules for Good Health: 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon vinegar daily, eat small portions-no seconds, and watch your weight. His decline began after breaking his hip about 18 months ago. He had many wonderful caregivers. The family wishes to thank Karches Estates for their thoughtfulness and loving care. Journey's Hopsice staff and caregivers, and most of all, his private caregivers, Valerie, Charlene, and Franko--the owner, of "Right at Home". Mahlon is survived by four children and spouses. Two sons, Jim and Sharon Rupp, of Naples, Florida, Doug and Jessica Rupp of Index, Washington. Two daughters, Gail and Jim Fogg and Brenda and Bill Busacker both of Nampa, Idaho. Nine grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. One sister, June Frazier, and one brother, Jerry Rupp, both of Pocatello. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 1:00 pm at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4 th Ave. Pocatello, ID 208-233-1500 with a viewing to be held 1 hour prior to the services. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.colonial-funeralhome.com.