Rulan Fife

Jerome - Rulan Clare Fife, 87, of Jerome,  passed away Sunday March 15,2015, at his home, with his family by his side. Clare was born in Dayton, Idaho on July 8, 1927, to Wilbert Dolan & Myrella Ann Cole Fife. The family lived in Dayton until Clare was 11, at which time the family moved to Filer, Idaho. Clare lived in Filer, helping on the family farm, until 1948 when the family moved to Jerome, Idaho where Clare’s parents purchased the farm where Clare and Wynona reside.  In 1944 Clare served in World War II on the U2 Cargo vessel loaded with fuel, surviving a typhoon for 4 days and 3 nights.

In 1950 Clare married Wynona Jones, their two children, Janie Myers (Jerome) and Scott Fife (Boise), completed their family.  Clare and Wynona purchased the farm from Clare’s parents in 1961, and have lived , farmed and dairied for 65 + years. Clare and Wynonna raised their children and grandchildren on the farm. Clare loved to farm, and milk his cows which he did for many years.  He had an eye for a good horse as well: always telling stories of his loved mare Marigold, and holding a soft spot for a pretty yellow horse. He and Marigold competed at the local Jamboree Club.  Clare was also an active member of the community serving on the Jerome School Board for 4 years, The Labor Camp Board for many years, as well as Wynona and Clare being members of the Magic Steppers dance club.

Clare was loved and admired by many, especially his family. His children and grandchildren will attest to his magnificent sense of humor, witty remarks, and remarkable story telling abilities. He spent most days outside with his children and grandchildren, never too busy to lend a hand.  Days were spent helping the girls’ ride, run poles, barrels, or catch the occasional calf that was too big to halter break. He took the boys shooting rock chucks, or skunks, whatever might stick its head up first. Fixing fence, burning ditch, and picking rock were yearly activities for all to enjoy, each one “building character”.  Once Clare and Wynona retired they spent their days with Great Grandchildren, and grandchildren enjoying their time with family and friends. Clare rarely missed having coffee uptown with the “boys”.

Clare will be missed terribly, but in our hearts the memories will live on. Clare is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Dean Fife.  Clare is survived by his Wife Wynona Fife, their children; Janie Myers & Scott Fife; Grandchildren Marci (Matt) McAvoy  Brooklyn, New York, Shane (Janice) Myers of Jerome ,Staci (Paul Pratt) Fife from New Mexico, Whitnie (Jason) Anderson from Jerome, Brianna (Frank) McKay from Fruitland, Lari McKendra Fife, also daughter-in-law Julia Fife from Parma; Great-grandchildren Morgan, Tucker, Codi Ann, Rose, Layne, Arienna, William Fife, and baby girl Pratt; his sisters, Myrna Tvrdy, Ollie Jean Johnson and Sharon (Gordon) Belnap; his brother, Dale (Theo) Fife; and his sister-in-law, Kathy Fife.  At this time the family would like to thank St Luke’s Hospice, especially Travis, Ellie ,Alma, Marie, Dr. Fortuin and all the girls who have been so wonderful to our beloved father and grandfather during this time.

A visitation will be held Thursday evening, March 19, 2015, at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 South Lincoln, Jerome, where family and friends may call from 5-7 PM.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM, Friday March 20, 2015, in the Jerome LDS 7th Ward Chapel, 50 East 100 South, Jerome, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service.  Interment will follow in the Jerome Cemetery.