Bill Rae Ellsworth

Billie Rae “Bill” Ellsworth, 77, of Firth passed away September 13, 2012 after a lengthy illness.

Bill was born in Boise on May 26, 1935 to Lorin and Hattie Geneva “Gene” Horton Ellsworth.  They settled on a small farm in Basalt in the early forties where Bill grew up.  He attended school in Basalt and Firth but began working at a young age in potato warehouses and farming.  He later drove trucks.

Bill married Sandra Van Horn in 1956.  They had two children, Robert Gene “Bob” and LeAnn “Gaye”.  They divorced and Bill’s mother moved in to help with the kids.

Bill then met and married his adored Beverly Fenton Whitmore on December 12, 1969 in Basalt.  He also gained a stepson, Tony Whitmore.  They made their home in Firth ever since.

Bill loved driving truck most of his life.  He regularly worked 14 hour days, six days a week, and then farmed on his day off.  He had many stories of his travel adventures.  He loved hunting and doing things with family.  Bill eventually had his own business.  When his mother became ill, he put his business a side to care for her.

Bill is greatly loved and will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly of Firth; son, Bob of Basalt; daughter, Gaye (Thom) Adamson of Boise; stepson, Tony of St. Anthony; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Budd, Gene, Don, Gayle, & Darlene Goff.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at the Kimball Ward Chapel, 744 N 600 E in Firth with Bishop Boyd Peterson conducting. The family will visit with friends Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 10:40 A.M. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be at the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Bill Ellsworth Memorial Fund at any Bank of Commerce.