Coleen Poole Poulsen

Coleen was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho on August 20, 1934, to Walter and Dora Poole. She was the youngest child and adored her older Brother Eldon and Sister Luana, who adored her. They were sealed as a family in the Logan Temple on January 27, 1942. She said as they knelt at the altar and were sealed to her parents, she felt a very sacred feeling that made a lasting impression on her.

Coleen was raised in Rigby Idaho and had fond recollections of feeling loved and never deprived of anything even though it was the end of the depression. Coleen worked hard raising chickens, working in the garden, canning and cleaning the house. She said every day of the week had specific chores to be done and they always did them. When their work was done her mother would gather the kids and they would help the neighbors.

Coleen attended Rigby High School where she loved being on the drama and speech teams. She really enjoyed Home Economics where she excelled. She attended Ricks College after high school and enjoyed the responsibility of doing her own laundry, cooking and cleaning her own apartment.

Coleen met R.Kay her ninth-grade year. He asked her on their first date on New Year's Eve in 1949. Her favorite thing was meeting R. Kay at the radiator between the Agricultural and Home economics classrooms for a 10-minute date. She often mentioned how he was very respectful to her. They loved to dance and would attend church functions together, but R. Kay had a lot of responsibilities on the farm so she would often help him with chores so they could go out. R. Kay returned from his mission in February 1953, asked Coleen to marry him two days after he got home and they were married on May first, 1953, in the Idaho Falls Temple, marking the beginning of 71 years together. They were blessed with 6 children. Through the joys and chaos of raising them, their love only deepened.

Coleen had an extraordinary way of making everyone who came to her home feel as if they were the center of her world. She had a gift for making every heart feel uniquely cherished, offering comfort in moments of doubt and providing wisdom that lit the path ahead. She was an amazing cook and transformed every occasion into a memorable experience. She made so many friendships throughout her life. Life was a party when she was around.

Family was her greatest joy — a constant source of light, pride, and comfort. Whether gathered around the table for a home-cooked meal, laughing through a game night, or seated quietly in tender conversation, she found meaning in every shared moment. Devoted and present, her love was shown in small, everyday acts of service: a thoughtful phone call, a handcrafted gift, or an encouraging word when it was needed most. The warmth of family sustained her throughout life, and the memories created together will remain a treasured legacy for generations to come.

Music was the language of her heart, she loved to sing and fill the rooms of her home and church with song, and the piano at her fingertips was a constant companion. Whether offering a hymn in worship, leading a family sing-along, or quietly playing a familiar melody, she found joy and solace in music. Her voice and gentle rhythms brought comfort to others, stitched memories into family gatherings, and will echo in our hearts. She had the opportunity to sing in the Jay Welch Chorale in Salt Lake City. It was an experience she always cherished. Her favorite hobbies were genealogy, piecing quits, hand embroidery, games and puzzles.

Coleen was a devoted lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in many leadership roles and her mission service with R. Kay. She had a wonderful relationship with her Heavenly Father and a strong testimony of the Savior’s atonement. She believed in forever families and had a deep desire to be obedient to the commandments. Service just wasn’t something Coleen did, it was the way she lived her life and inspired others. Her life was a beautiful example of selflessness and joy, reminding all who knew her that the greatest happiness comes from lifting others. Her life is a story of love, service, and creativity that will live in the hearts of all who loved her. In honor of our mother’s beautiful legacy of kindness, we invite all who loved her to perform a small act of service, because nothing would make her happier than knowing goodness continues to ripple through the world in her memory.

Coleen is survived by sons, David (JoAnn) Poulsen, and Michael (Carolyn) Poulsen. Daughter, Jeanette (Jeff) John, and 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren

She was preceded in death by her husband R. Kay Poulsen, sons Richard Poulsen, Brent Poulsen and John Poulsen. Granddaughter Nichole Marriott, brother Eldon Poole, and sister Luana Eckersell.

We are grateful to the staff at Legacy House of Logan and the Sunshine Terrace Hospice team for your kindness, patience and attentive support you provided to our mother. Thank you for treating her with respect and warmth. Your care will always be remembered with heartfelt appreciation.

A service will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Eckersell Funeral Home (101 West Main Street, Rigby, ID). There will be a viewing prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45 am. Interment will follow at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery.