MarRue Keller Simmons Salmon, Idaho Obituary

MarRue Keller Simmons

MarRue Keller Simmons was born to Rulon Keller and Margaret Benson Keller on March 10, 1928, in Whitney, Idaho, at her Grandpa George Taft Benson’s new home. She was raised a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She grew up in Mink Creek and attended elementary school there. Later, her family literally moved their house to Preston, where she graduated from Preston High School. She was third in a family of eight but grew up as the oldest child since two older brothers died in infancy. As a member of the Church, MarRue served in many callings, including Primary pianist at age 12, ward and stake Relief Society presidencies and librarian, early-morning Seminary teacher, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and temple ordinance worker. She directed numerous stake roadshows and in 1976, MarRue wrote and directed the Salmon Stake bicentennial celebration. She also worked as the librarian for the Pioneer Elementary School where she fostered a love of reading and books with the children. She was a talented leader and brought the best out in everyone. Her love of music led her to excel in performing on the piano, flute, and cello. She valued her relationships with people and lived by the mantra, “Relationships are the essence of life.” MarRue met her eternal companion, Boyd K Simmons, at the Preston rodeo on the 4th of July. That day was Boyd’s last day of bronc riding due to, in his own words, he “refused to be bucked off any more horses in front of his girl and look stupid!” MarRue and Boyd were soon engaged and married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 8, 1948. The ceremony was performed by MarRue’s uncle, Ezra Taft Benson. MarRue finished her Bachelor's degree in Food Science and Nutrition from Brigham Young University. MarRue’s married life with Boyd was defined by three simple values that were decided upon early in their life together and were followed as they worked and raised their family. Family always came first. Resolve all disagreements, hopefully by the end of each day. And kneel together in prayer at the end of each day. MarRue supported Boyd when he attended medical school in Washington, D.C.; she worked as a secretary in the Senate office building for U.S. Senators, Welker, and Dworkshak. Later, she worked from her home as a biller for J. Willard Marriott, who highly regarded her. After medical school, MarRue and Boyd moved their growing family of four children to Seattle, Washington, where Boyd set up his medical practice. Four more children were born in Seattle in addition to Boyd and MarRue inviting a foster son, Joseph Firecrow, into the family. MarRue loved motherhood and being involved in her kids’ lives. In 1970, MarRue and Boyd yearned for a simpler life and decided to move their family to Salmon, Idaho. MarRue loved her new home and ranch on the banks of the famous River of No Return, despite the pain of leaving her dear friends in Seattle. MarRue taught her children a love for the outdoors. Camping rides in the mountains, skiing, river rafting, and picnicking were some of her favorite activities. She loved attending symphonies, plays, and concerts. MarRue also loved and excelled in music. She did her part to fill her home with classic and folk songs and encouraged her children to learn and play music. She was an excellent cook and loved trying new recipes along with growing a big garden. She sewed the kids’ clothing and made quilts. Fall was the canning season. She rallied everyone around the kitchen to put up fruits and vegetables for winter. MarRue was famous with her neighbors for her fresh homemade bread she shared with them each week. She loved family connections and made great efforts to foster lasting relationships between her children, grandchildren, and their grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. She also loved traveling throughout the world with Boyd, including a medical mission to Brazil. Shortly after returning home, she dealt with life’s challenges when Boyd developed Alzheimer’s, which took his life. MarRue continued her Church service, even without her dear husband, serving another mission to California and then trained missionaries in the Missionary Training Center. She married Brent Nash at the age of 86 and loved his companionship as they shared hobbies, reading, and traveling. MarRue was preceded in death by her son Kerry Simmons, husband Boyd Simmons, husband Brent Nash, brothers Rulon Keller, Benson Keller, and Lamond Keller, sisters Marco Forsgren and Beth Thompson, foster son Joseph Firecrow, son-in-law Todd Christensen, granddaughters Camaya King and Alyx Simmons, grandson Spencer Noorlander, and great-grandsons Gaylen and Rowan Sullivan. She is survived by her brothers, George (Shareen) Keller and James Leo (Renee) Keller, children, Jude (Dave) King, Robert (Julynn) Simmons, Debbie (Dave) Richardson, Kathy Christensen, James (Colleen) Simmons, David Simmons, and Sara (Jeff) Hicks, along with 55 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 3, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 400 S. Daisy Street in Salmon, Idaho. A viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. for family and friends. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Salmon Cemetery. The family would like to express thanks to the staff at Steele Memorial Hospital, Salmon Hospice, Promontory Point Rehab Center, and the Jones and Casey Funeral Home.
March 10, 1928 - December 28, 202103/10/192812/28/2021
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Obituary

MarRue Keller Simmons was born to Rulon Keller and Margaret Benson Keller on March 10, 1928, in Whitney, Idaho, at her Grandpa George Taft Benson’s new home. She was raised a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She grew up in Mink Creek and attended elementary school there. Later, her family literally moved their house to Preston, where she graduated from Preston High School. She was third in a family of eight but grew up as the oldest child since two older brothers died in infancy. As a member of the Church, MarRue served in many callings, including Primary pianist at age 12, ward and stake Relief Society presidencies and librarian, early-morning Seminary teacher, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and temple ordinance worker. She directed numerous stake roadshows and in 1976, MarRue wrote and directed the Salmon Stake bicentennial celebration. She also worked as the librarian for the Pioneer Elementary School where she fostered a love of reading and books with the children. She was a talented leader and brought the best out in everyone. Her love of music led her to excel in performing on the piano, flute, and cello. She valued her relationships with people and lived by the mantra, “Relationships are the essence of life.” MarRue met her eternal companion, Boyd K Simmons, at the Preston rodeo on the 4th of July. That day was Boyd’s last day of bronc riding due to, in his own words, he “refused to be bucked off any more horses in front of his girl and look stupid!” MarRue and Boyd were soon engaged and married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 8, 1948. The ceremony was performed by MarRue’s uncle, Ezra Taft Benson. MarRue finished her Bachelor's degree in Food Science and Nutrition from Brigham Young University. MarRue’s married life with Boyd was defined by three simple values that were decided upon early in their life together and were followed as they worked and raised their family. Family always came first. Resolve all disagreements, hopefully by the end of each day. And kneel together in prayer at the end of each day. MarRue supported Boyd when he attended medical school in Washington, D.C.; she worked as a secretary in the Senate office building for U.S. Senators, Welker, and Dworkshak. Later, she worked from her home as a biller for J. Willard Marriott, who highly regarded her. After medical school, MarRue and Boyd moved their growing family of four children to Seattle, Washington, where Boyd set up his medical practice. Four more children were born in Seattle in addition to Boyd and MarRue inviting a foster son, Joseph Firecrow, into the family. MarRue loved motherhood and being involved in her kids’ lives. In 1970, MarRue and Boyd yearned for a simpler life and decided to move their family to Salmon, Idaho. MarRue loved her new home and ranch on the banks of the famous River of No Return, despite the pain of leaving her dear friends in Seattle. MarRue taught her children a love for the outdoors. Camping rides in the mountains, skiing, river rafting, and picnicking were some of her favorite activities. She loved attending symphonies, plays, and concerts. MarRue also loved and excelled in music. She did her part to fill her home with classic and folk songs and encouraged her children to learn and play music. She was an excellent cook and loved trying new recipes along with growing a big garden. She sewed the kids’ clothing and made quilts. Fall was the canning season. She rallied everyone around the kitchen to put up fruits and vegetables for winter. MarRue was famous with her neighbors for her fresh homemade bread she shared with them each week. She loved family connections and made great efforts to foster lasting relationships between her children, grandchildren, and their grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. She also loved traveling throughout the world with Boyd, including a medical mission to Brazil. Shortly after returning home, she dealt with life’s challenges when Boyd developed Alzheimer’s, which took his life. MarRue continued her Church service, even without her dear husband, serving another mission to California and then trained missionaries in the Missionary Training Center. She married Brent Nash at the age of 86 and loved his companionship as they shared hobbies, reading, and traveling. MarRue was preceded in death by her son Kerry Simmons, husband Boyd Simmons, husband Brent Nash, brothers Rulon Keller, Benson Keller, and Lamond Keller, sisters Marco Forsgren and Beth Thompson, foster son Joseph Firecrow, son-in-law Todd Christensen, granddaughters Camaya King and Alyx Simmons, grandson Spencer Noorlander, and great-grandsons Gaylen and Rowan Sullivan. She is survived by her brothers, George (Shareen) Keller and James Leo (Renee) Keller, children, Jude (Dave) King, Robert (Julynn) Simmons, Debbie (Dave) Richardson, Kathy Christensen, James (Colleen) Simmons, David Simmons, and Sara (Jeff) Hicks, along with 55 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 3, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 400 S. Daisy Street in Salmon, Idaho. A viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. for family and friends. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Salmon Cemetery. The family would like to express thanks to the staff at Steele Memorial Hospital, Salmon Hospice, Promontory Point Rehab Center, and the Jones and Casey Funeral Home.

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Events

Jan
03
Funeral Service
Monday, January 03 2022
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
400 S. Daisy Salmon, Idaho 83467
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Viewing at 10:00 A.M. in the Relief Society Room
Final Resting Place
Salmon Cemetery
901 Lombard Street Salmon, ID 83467
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