Carma Kaye Dustin Lufkin

Our dear mother, grandmother, and beloved friend, Carma Kaye Dustin Lufkin, 96, of Annis, passed away on October 23, 2025, at Homestead Assisted Living in Rexburg, Idaho.

Born on October 18, 1929, in Rexburg, Idaho to Kenneth Miner Dustin and Annie Louie Scott Dustin, Carma’s early life was shaped by her close relationship with her younger sister, Dawn,who was twenty-one months younger. Following the separation of their parents when Carma was two years old, the sisters became inseparable and grew up like twins under the care of their mother and grandparents, James and Maude Bybee Scott in the Scott home in Annis. Their father later reconnected with the girls and became a valued part of their lives.

Despite the hardships of her early life, she fondly recalled her time in Humphrey, Idaho, where her mother taught grade school and Carma and Dawn entered first grade together. The sisters continued their education in Annis through the eighth grade and graduated from Midway High School in 1948. Carma’s pursuit of knowledge led her to Ricks College, where she earned a teaching certificate and later an Associate degree. Throughout her life she was dedicated to learning and continued to expand her intellect through reading and study.

Carma and Doyle LeRoy Lufkin were married and sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 23, 1950. They raised five children, Connie, Myron, Terrill, Carl and Judy, on the same family farm where Carma had grown up. These were choice times for the family, reminiscent of a bygone era. Her family was her greatest joy and accomplishment.

Being a dedicated farm wife, Carma actively assisted with farm work and always had a batch of baby calves that she bottle fed. She especially loved working with the cattle and the wonderful experience of the spring cattle drives to the ranch and range above Heise. She could often be found exploring and hiking or riding her Can-Am in the hills surrounding the ranch, even into her early 90’s. Many memories were made at the Lufkin Big Rock Ranch where family and friends often gathered.

Carma and Doyle partnered with son, Myron, and later grandson, Ben Briggs, in a cattle feeding operation. She cherished the opportunity to work alongside her family. Each spring, she eagerly anticipated her son, Carl’s, “Lufkin Cattle Company Bull Sale,” at his ranch in Salmon.

Carma made significant contributions to her family’s income by working outside the home. Early in her marriage, she was a schoolteacher at the Clark School. She later worked for School District 251 in the Administrative Office and at Ricks College in the accounting department. After her retirement from Ricks College, she worked part time at the Smokehouse Restaurant, Jefferson County School Lunch, and Idaho Fresh Pak. She was driven by the fulfillment of work and was never idle.

As a lifelong and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her love for the Gospel began as a young girl at the Black Rock Church in Annis. She faithfully served in numerous Stake and Ward callings and found great fulfillment in her service as an Ordinance worker at the Idaho Falls Temple. When her health no longer permitted her to attend, she deeply missed her service at the Temple.

She endured many heartbreaking experiences in her life. Primary among them was the loss of her son, Myron, as well as grandson McCrae, and great granddaughter Taylor.

Carma’s deep connection to the land and her love for her and Doyle’s ranch home near the banks of the Snake River were central to her existence. In her final days, she dreamed of returning to this cherished place.

Her kindness and strength touched countless lives. While she will be profoundly missed, we find comfort in knowing her memory and legacy will live on in her posterity.

Those preceding her in death were husband, Doyle, son, Myron, grandson, McCrae Lufkin, great granddaughter, Taylor Crapo, sister, Dawn Larsen, stepbrother Garth Dustin, stepsister, Karla Richardson, and her parents.

She is survived by daughters, Connie Briggs (Brent), Judy Lou Eckman (Gary), daughter in-law, Sherry Lufkin (Myron), sons, Terrill Lufkin (Jill), and Carl Lufkin (Robin). She has 23 grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren, and 11 great, great grandchildren. Also surviving are step brother in-law, Wendell Richardson (Karla), and stepsister in-law, Deann Dustin (Garth).

Funeral services will be held at the Menan Red Brick Church (3547 E Menan Lorenzo Hwy) on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11 am. The family will greet friends at the Red Brick Church from 9:00 to 10:45 am prior to services. Interment will be at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Funeral Home.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful caregivers and hospice staff at Homestead Assisted Living for the loving care administered to Carma during her final days and hours.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the LDS Church Humanitarian Fund in memory of Carma, https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/contribute, or a charity of your choice.