RENCHER, JR., Benjamin Jay

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 12/03/2013 Benjamin Jay Rencher, 89, of Idaho Falls died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, at his home from causes incident to age. He was born May 3, 1924, in Snowflake to Benjamin Jay Rencher Sr. and Minnie Hunt Rencher. He was the second oldest of nine children and was raised and attended schools in Snowflake. He continued his education at Brigham Young University and earned a Doctorate of Chemistry at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. On June 10, 1948, he married Louise Burbridge in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. He was a professor at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, and was loved by his students. He worked as a ranger in Yellowstone Park during the summers. In 1957, he set up and developed the curriculum for the academic Nuclear Power Training School for the U.S. Navy at the INL Site, where he taught for 30 years. He was a master teacher. Jay was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved the youth and was an explorer leader for many years. The gospel was very important to him. He was considered an expert in church doctrine and taught doctrinal classes all his life. He served as stake young mens’ president, stake missionary, bishop and in many other church callings. He served a full-time mission with his wife to Micronesia, Guam, and a second mission to Nigeria, Africa. He received a Purple Heart fighting in World War II, clearing the mine fields at Normandy Beach on D-Day and in the Battle of the Bulge. He enjoyed family activities, fly fishing, camping, hunting, gardening and growing his tulips, dahlias, marigolds and roses. He is survived by his wife, Louise Burbridge Rencher; eight children: Craig (Connie) Rencher of Twin Falls, Idaho; Mark (Karen) Rencher and Tamla Rencher, both of Idaho Falls; Melany (Michael) Gard of Riverton, Wyo.; Trent (Dianne) Rencher of Poulsbo, Wash.; Stacy (Patti) Rencher of Roy, Utah; Ceri Rencher of Spanish Fork, Utah; Lance (Laura) Rencher of Poulsbo, Wash.; 32 grandchildren and 57 great-grandchildren, all of whom love him dearly. Funeral services were held Dec. 2, 2013, at the Idaho Falls LDS Mountain View Ward, 1450 Mountain View Lane, Idaho Falls. Burial was held at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com. Wood Funeral Home of Idaho Falls, Idaho, handled arrangements.