Ray D. Deroche

Ray D. DeRoche, 83, of Blackfoot passed away July 25, 2011 in Idaho Falls at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

He was born Aug. 14, 1927 in Cascade, Mont., to Leo and Gladys Kinghorn DeRoche, the eighth of ten children.  He spent most of his childhood years in the Annis and Clark areas near Rigby.

He attended high school in Rigby until 1944 when he enlisted in the U. S. Navy at the age of 17. He served on the battleship USS California during World War II in the South Pacific. He was especially proud of his military service and attended several ship reunions throughout the United States.

Upon returning home, he married Arlene Dutson of Ririe on March 21, 1947. Their marriage was later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 17, 2000. They made their home in Idaho Falls, Ririe, Shelley, American Falls and Blackfoot.

He was employed by Clover Club Foods for 27 years. In 1977 he started R & G Potato Co. in American Falls. He retired in 1991 due to health reasons. He was inducted into the Idaho Potato Hall of Fame on Jan. 22, 2003, recognized for his contributions in the chipping potato industry.

He was an avid fisherman. He also enjoyed hunting, boating, traveling and spending time with his family. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held the office of a high priest. He had served in the Sunday School presidency and as a home teacher.

He is survived by his wife of Blackfoot; his children Douglas (Audrey) DeRoche of Shelley; Steven (Cindy) DeRoche of Pocatello; and Sherri (Scott) Burkman of Blackfoot; three sisters, Donna Johnson and Ileen Munford, both of Idaho Falls; Leah Brosie of Lewisville; and a sister-in-law, Elva DeRoche of Blackfoot; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kenney; a grandson, Greg DeRoche; four brothers, Kyle, Bud, Harold and Dale; and two sisters, Glenda Barker and Melba Puckett.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 30, at the Blackfoot LDS Stake Center, 1650 Highland Dr., in Blackfoot.  Family will meet with friends and family at the same location Friday, July 29, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and prior to the services from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Interment will be at the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home. The American Legion David B. Bleak Post No. 93 will perform military rites.