Perlee Wheeler Durrant

PerLee Wheeler Durrant, 86 of Rigby, died Saturday, October 18, 2014 at The Gardens Assisted Living in Rigby. She was born June 4, 1928 in Poplar, Idaho to Alvin Wheeler and Rosetta Cleverly Wheeler. She was raised and attended schools in Poplar, Buck, and Ririe, graduating from Ririe High School. On June 8, 1946 she married Garvin James Durrant in Ririe; their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple March 31, 1948. She worked as a waitress, bank teller, and other jobs before joining the Idaho Falls District Seven Health Department and working for them for 22 years. PerLee was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout her life she served in the Primary, Young Women’s, Sunday School and Relief Society for the Ririe and Rigby wards. She was a member of Idaho Public Employees Association, holding every position from Treasure to President and remaining a lifelong member. She worked with United Way for over 15 years and was appointed by Governor John V. Evans to the Idaho Commission for Woman’s Programs for 3 terms. After retiring from District Seven Health Department she sold life and accident insurance for Colonial Life. PerLee and Marion Taylor opened a small business called Golden Age Special Services to help the elderly with their financial affairs. This was an extension of her continuing service to the elderly. She had been doing hair for seniors since her children were young. She was proficient in all needlework, especially crocheting and knitting. She always enjoyed gifting loved ones and visitors with her projects. PerLee was first and foremost a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was her greatest treasure and she will be greatly missed. She is survived by her daughters, Rosalee “Roee” (Dar) Grigg of Idaho Falls, Diana Christine “Chris” (Gary) Meador, of Davie, Florida, sons, Garvin Michael (Denise) Durrant, of Casper, Wyoming, John (Rhonda) Durrant, of Rigby, 7 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Arta Cooper and brother, Oliver “Bud” Wheeler. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 23, 2014 at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main Street, Rigby. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday evening and from 11:30 a.m., to 12:45 p.m., prior to services, both at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Ririe Shelton Cemetery.