Roxanne (Stark) Gale

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I came into this world on January 19, 1947. I am the oldest of the seven children of Henry John Stark and Bertha Mae Rasmussen Stark. I was one of the last babies born in Jones Nursing Home in Rupert, Idaho. I have six siblings: Steven John, Frederick Allen, Barbara Ellen, Rosemary, William Eric, and Joseph Scott.

Dad was a farmer, so we moved where his employment took us. Later in life he taught himself to be a very good carpenter. As kids we worked and played on the farm.

I attended school in Hazelton, Heyburn, Rupert, and Malta. I graduated from Raft River High School as Salutatorian in 1965. After high school I worked at Simplot’s for a fall and winter to earn money to attend Stevens-Henager Business School in Salt Lake City and graduated with an associate’s degree in accounting two years later.

I returned to the Mini-Cassia area to work at the OK Tire Recap plant in Rupert. I married Marvin Ward Gale and started a family. My children are Starla Marie Reuser (John), Jeffery Ward Gale, Mark Todd Gale (Judy), and Trent L. Gale (Kelli).My two stepchildren include Elizabeth Dawn Brown and Lloyd Almo Gale (deceased.)

While the kids were growing up, we enjoyed our summers. We did a lot of swimming; our back yard was the neighborhood playground. The kids played baseball all summer. We went fishing, camping, and wood cutting. One of our best summers was a trip to Jackson Hole. We loved stopping at museums to enjoy the wonderful history of the area.

I worked part time for Big O Tires and Magic Valley Tires while raising my family. I returned to full time work in 1990, working at Kelley Bean Company for 18 years. I enjoyed working with the farmers, my co-workers, and truck drivers. 

I participated in many church callings including Young Women’s Volleyball coach, visiting teacher assistant to the Relief Society President, and coordinating the Valley-Vista Living Center Relief Society. At one time I was in charge of the Relief Society activities including the tasting table at our monthly Homemaking meetings. I found many great recipes during this time. I have always served as a ministering Visiting Teacher in my ward.

Thanks to my daughter, Starla, and son-in-law, John, I have had many wonderful experiences such as attending a sweet friend’s wedding in Arizona, then off to Hawaii to spend Thanksgiving in the tropics. We made some wonderful memories. Life on the island is so relaxing.

My hobbies include crocheting, knitting, embroidery, and sewing. I have made baby blankets, Afghans, hot pads, kitchen towels, and many other things. My daughter and I have taken classes to improve our skills. We worked on a quilt that I hope one day she will finish.

I joined the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers in 2012. I became part of my sister Rosemary’s and my aunt Cora’s camp so that I could spend time with them. I made several scrapbooks for the camp, and I made many wonderful friends. I used the knowledge gained there in other areas of my life. I still have much to learn.

I have seven grandchildren: Ashley Altamirano (Irvin), Clayton Gale, Kierra Edwards, Madysn Gale, Reece Gale, Grayson Gale, and TJ Gage. I have many more step-grandchildren, too many to name. It is wonderful to have so much love, and they all seem to like me!

On Sunday, April 24, 2022, we had to give up our Mom so that she could go meet up with her parents, grandparents, and brother to begin the next phase of her life. We did not give her up willingly at first, but we eventually realized she was not ours to keep for the long term. When our time is up, we know she will be waiting for us with open arms, and we will have a joyous reunion.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 2, 2022 at the Rupert 7th Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  A viewing will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at Hansen Mortuary in Rupert and for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.  Burial will take place in the Rupert Cemetery following the funeral.  Arrangements are under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary.

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