Verla Gene Furniss

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Verla Gene Christoffersen Furniss passed on peacefully Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Morning Star Senior Living Center in Idaho Falls, ID.  She was 90 years old.  Verla was born on a cold snowy day, March 29, 1933, at her grandmother’s house near Tetonia, Idaho. She’s the only child of Vernon G. and Zella Rose Christoffersen.  Verla grew up amid the breathtaking Teton Valley. She loved the simple life on a farm and spent as much time as possible outside playing with the family dog and riding her horse, Ginger, throughout the surrounding hills.  Verla always did well with her studies at school and even skipped the third grade.  When she was 10 years old, her mother died from complications following surgery.  This tragic event forever changed her.  Two years later, Vernon married Etta Lee Wanlass.  The passing of years brought maturity, understanding, and a deep regard between the two women.  Verla spent one year at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho then transferred to Utah State University in Logan, Utah.  There, Verla met John C. Furniss on a blind date arranged by family members on both sides.  The couple married on June 11, 1952, in the Idaho Falls LDS temple.  After finishing John’s education, the couple moved to Bozeman, MT. In December 1955, John was hired on at the INEEL in Arco, Idaho and resettled their little family back in southeast Idaho.  They spent several years living in Idaho Falls then Lewisville before settling in a house just east of Rigby where they raised five children; three daughters and two sons. In 2007, they moved to Ammon.

Verla had a vivacious, bright, and kind personality.  People from all walks of life were drawn to her.  She always cared most for the underdog.  Verla was involved in the BSA Scouting program and earned her Silver Beaver award.  She was a member of the Larkspurs women’s horse-riding club where she made many life-long friends. Her most notable job was driving school bus for over 30 years.  She loved to dress up for holidays and hand out treats to the school kids. She took many athletes to and from countless games.  Later, she and Marlene Clark enjoyed the kids on the Special ED bus route. Verla was a talented seamstress and made custom clothing for ladies in the Rigby area. She made many beautiful doll clothes for Louis Wood’s porcelain doll shop.  She worked wonders with beads and created remarkable bead projects. Verla loved gardening and kept an immaculate yard and garden.

John and Verla loved taking trips, camping, and seeing different sights.  They served an eighteen-month mission at the Humanitarian Center in Idaho Falls. They were also ordinance workers in the Idaho Falls temple for over twenty years. After John passed in 2013. Verla volunteered as a beverage/snack server in the surgical unit at EIRMC.  She also began organ lessons at Piano Gallery and enjoyed the social aspect of group lessons.  Verla had many dear and beloved friends she enjoyed visiting for hours with or attending regular lunch dates with the Rigby ladies.  Verla lived her life as a noble, elect lady with a deep conviction of the Savior.

She is survived by three daughters:  Sharyn Curtis, Idaho Falls, ID; Susan (Jerry) Scott, Menan, ID; Anna Furniss, Denver, CO; a son in Utah; 9 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren.  Verla was proceeded in death by her parents; her husband, John C. Furniss; a son, Cory V. Furniss; a granddaughter, Shaura Neiderer; a granddaughter, Nannette Hall; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Eckersell Funeral Home (101 W Main St., Rigby, ID).  Interment will follow at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery. A viewing will be prior to the services from 9:30-10:45 a.m. as well as Tuesday evening, January 23, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Eckersell Funeral Home.