Sondra Lee Rupp

Sondra Lee Peterson Rupp, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, in St. George, Utah, at the age of 84.

Sondra was born on February 23, 1942, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Eugene Peterson and Golda Luella Deardon Peterson, lovingly known as “Babe.” She had one older brother, Russell Eugene Peterson, who was 10 years her senior. Her cousin Linda was like a sister to her, and much of Sondra’s childhood was spent in the loving care and influence of her grandmother, Ethel, who played a central role in her upbringing. From an early age, Sondra demonstrated a love of learning and a determination to do her best, graduating as Valedictorian of Shelley High School’s Class of 1960 before attending Utah State University.

On June 23, 1961, Sondra married Charles Kent Taysom, and together they welcomed three children: Jeffrey Scott Taysom, Timothy Kevin Taysom, and Stephanie Allison Taysom.

She later married the love of her life, Norman Alan Rupp, on December 9, 1972. Their marriage was forever strengthened when they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple on September 3, 1976. Together they built a home centered on faith, family, service, and love. Norm and Sondra also welcomed a son, James, who died shortly after birth.

Sondra was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She served faithfully in many callings throughout the years, including in the Young Women organization, as a temple worker, an early morning Seminary teacher in California and as a speaker at Especially for Youth (EFY). She and Norm also had the privilege of serving together as service missionaries at the Bishop’s Storehouse in St. George, Utah, finding great joy in ministering to others.

More than anything, Sondra loved people. She had an extraordinary gift for making everyone she met feel seen, valued, and deeply loved. Her gentle spirit, genuine kindness, and unwavering faith left a lasting impression on countless lives. She expressed her love in simple but unforgettable ways often by gathering family and friends around her table. Her homemade chicken and noodles and famous butterscotch pie became treasured family favorites and lasting symbols of her generous heart.

Sondra is survived by her children Jeff Taysom (Renee), Tim Taysom, Stephanie Voran (Jeff), Cheri Randall, Kip Rupp (Linda), Roger Rupp (Katrina), and Linda Rupp; 26 grandchildren; and countless great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed by her love, wisdom, and Christlike example.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Golda Peterson; her brother, Russell Eugene Peterson; her husband, Norman Alan Rupp; her son, James; her granddaughter, Hether Cosgrove; and her daughter-in-law, Donna Taysom.

While her family grieves her absence, they find peace in the knowledge that because of Jesus Christ and the blessings of the temple, families are eternal. Her legacy of faith, compassion, service, and unconditional love will continue to bless generations to come.

Funeral services will be held at 12 PM on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Wilks Funeral Home; 211 W. Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID 83202. A viewing will be held that morning starting 11:00 a.m. Interment at Mountain View Cemetery, Pocatello, ID.