Norma Jean Mugleston

Our mother, Norma Jean Simmons Mugleston, 85, of Rigby, Idaho died of natural causes on August 30, 2018 surrounded by her sons at The Gardens Assisted Living Center in Rigby, Idaho.

She was born April 4, 1933 in Menan, Idaho to Earl and LaVada Strong Simmons. She was raised in Lorenzo, Idaho. She attended school in Lorenzo, graduating from Rigby High School with the Class of 1951. On February 21, 1952 she married Artell Samuel Mugleston in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. To this union they added five sons.

Norma Jean was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; she loved the gospel and served in numerous callings; she especially enjoyed the Relief Society. She served with Artell in the Idaho Falls Temple. In her later years, she proudly participated in the local chapter of Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Norma Jean had a great work ethic and was always busy. She worked for over 20 years at Ricks College (Aka BYU-Idaho) as an administrative assistant for Physical Facilities and the Nursing Department. She loved keeping a beautiful home, canning, sewing, and traveling. She enjoyed family events and spending quality time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her five children: Kirt (Susan Bowcutt) Mugleston of Labelle, Idaho; Bryon (Barbara Taylor) Mugleston of Rigby, Idaho; David (Tracy Hooper) Mugleston of Syracuse, Utah; Randy (Mysti Stay) Mugleston of Little Falls, New Jersey; and Eric (Jill Radford) Mugleston of Rigby, Idaho. She is also survived by her brother Larry Simmons of Texas and sister-in-law Belva Mugleston. She is survived by 22 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and her first great-great grandchild is due to be born in December. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister (Darlene Simmons Wilde), one grandson (Adam Mugleston), and one great-granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the LaBelle Church (4223 E. 528 N., Rigby, Idaho) with Blake Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 5 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Eckersell Funeral Home (101 West Main Street, Rigby, Idaho) and prior to the services on Thursday, September 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery, under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.

The family expresses their gratitude to The Gardens Assisted Living Center, Aspen Home Health Care and to Janel.