Steven Ray France

Steven Ray France returned home to his Heavenly Father on January 6, 2025 after a courageous battle with Covid. He was surrounded by his family during his last days and the loss we all feel for him cannot be described. 

Steven created a wonderful legacy during his time here on earth and was a wonderful father, husband, brother, and son.

Steven grew up in the Shelley area and attended Shelley High School. Steven was active in band and sports and earned his 4 year letterman before serving an LDS mission in South America. Following his return he married his beautiful wife, Marsha Jean France (Clayton) of Idaho Falls and they would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on March 27, 2025. 

He and Marsha settled in the Jameston area near Shelley, Idaho where he made his living as a potato farmer for the entirety of his life. Together they raised 6 children and have been blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Steven remained committed to his LDS religion throughout his lifetime and served as Bishop of the Sandcreek Ward as well as many other callings during his lifetime.

Steven grew up riding horses and watching John Wayne on the big screen as a child and often said he was born 100 years too late.

We mourn his loss greatly but are comforted knowing that he is no longer in pain and in a much better place possibly riding his horse into the sunset. 

Steven is proceeded in death by his parents, 3 siblings, 1 great-grandchild and 1 grandson-in law.

Steven is survived by his wife, 6 children: Jeanna Peterson (Dave), Catherine Szarkowski (Ron), Angela Anderson (Ryan), Kory France (Cindy), Ashley France, and Lisa Tschikof (Coby), 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren with one on the way. Steven is also survived by his younger brother, Garry France also living in the Shelley area.

His older sister, Beth France Cook, often said, “to know Steven is to love him.” 

We would like to offer a very special Thank You to “Hands of Hope Hospice” for the loving way they took care of Steven in his final days.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 13, 2025 at the Taylor Fourth Ward Chapel, 1101 East 1250 North, Shelley. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 till 7:30 P.M. at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 West Oak Street, Shelley and Monday morning from 9:30 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.

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