Jeanne Arlene King

On Flag Day  (June 14) of 1949, Jeanne Arlene Carey King was born to Evalie and Samuel Carey in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. She was the first of 7 to be born to Evie and Sam.

Jeanne moved around with her family and attended many schools until they settled in Bonners Ferry, Idaho in 1961. In 1965, she met the love of her life, her forever boyfriend, Ronald King. Their love story took a few twists and turns but they were reunited and married on May 4, 1974 in a simple ceremony at her Mom’s Home. Their children tease that Ron looked more like a leprechaun than a groom that day with his big red beard! As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 5, 1980. They have been married for 47 years and have raised 4 daughters, Angela, Pamela (Hittle), Rhonda (Davis), and Krissy King.

Jeanne and Ron welcomed their first granddaughter in 1986, Alysha (Jalli) and now proudly have 16 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Jeanne whole heartedly loved all her siblings, from “her much younger sister” Linda (Gilliland), to her oldest younger brother Mike Poston, to her favorite brother Sam Carey, and her most loved brother Steve Carey, to her baby sister Beth (Donegan), and her baby brother Mark Carey.

Jeanne’s calling in life was to be a mother. She was so gifted with kindness and caring, creativity, perfectionism, and the ability to always learn and take on new things in life. From a young age Jeanne helped take care of her 6 siblings. Her siblings teased her for being so bossy, but she just wanted the best for each of them. She learned to sew from her grandmother which became a passion. She was a master seamstress, teaching her daughters this skill and many 4-H members with her fine eye for detail. Jeanne learned to can fruits and vegetables, grow a garden and raise chickens. She learned all about farm life from her mother-in-law Katherine King. Anything that came her way she was able to learn, perfect and teach others.

Jeanne helped with everything her daughters were involved in from sewing cheerleading outfits and Junior Miss costumes for Pam, to Prom and Wedding dresses and veils. She made Rhonda’s Horse showmanship outfits and even the Buddy Badger Mascot outfit in 1986. She was probably one of the first people to own a Serger sewing machine in Boundary County.

Jeanne was right beside Ron with his love of horses by being the most organized horse show secretary and supporting him at each step. She helped Ron and Rhonda get ready for each horse show and made sure that they looked just perfect before their competitions.

Some of Jeanne’s greatest callings in life were her callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Stake Relief Society President, Ward Relief Society President, Young Women’s President, Primary President and Sunday School teacher. Many young women have cherished their relationship and teachings, and the love that Jeanne gave to them. Jeanne served as a Family History Extraction Specialist where her keen eye for detail helped connect generations of families together.

Jeanne enjoyed many years in the 4-H program as a judge and sewing leader. She was honored to be awarded the title of 4H Leader of the Year. She mostly enjoyed being right there by her daughters, helping them excel as well as teaching other youth.

Jeanne was very proud of her “later in life” career. After raising her children, she began working as the Office Manager for her brother Steve Carey at Shelman Realty for 20+ years prior to retiring just a short 6 years ago.

Jeanne and Ron built a beautiful life together in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. They lived in their dream home until 2020 when she was moved to Hearthstone Village for Alzheimer’s dementia in Kootenai, Idaho where she peacefully passed away with her family by her side on December 9, 2021.

Jeanne is survived by her husband Ronald King, Bonners Ferry, ID, daughters Angela King, Pamela (Todd Hittle) Naples ID, Rhonda (Blake Davis) Richmond UT, Krissy King (Airway Heights WA), and step-son Steve Stowe (Tina) Gilbert AZ. Her brothers and sisters Linda Gilliland, Mike Poston, Sam Carey, Steve Carey, Beth Donegan, and Mark Carey. Many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Jeanne will be greatly missed, however cherished forever. She is preceded in death by her baby Michelle Dawn (Twin sister of Pam), her beloved mother Evalie Sturman, her father Samuel Carey, her step father Marvin Sturman, niece Melanie Poston, and great nephew and niece Devon and Mya.

Mom, we are so thankful for the blessings you gave us. For teaching and sharing your talents with us all. For the great example of love and faith, love in marriage, and your deep devotion to the gospel. Your love will grow forever in all of us. We are thankful that your time of pain and suffering is over here on this earth and you will feel the love we have for you until we meet again.  We all love you to the moon and back.

We will honor Jeanne’s life with a viewing at Bonners Ferry Funeral Home on Dec. 17 ^th from 6-8pm. A viewing will be held on Dec. 18 ^th at 9:30am at 6568 Alderson Ln with the Funeral Services to follow at 11am. Jeanne will be laid to rest at the Paradise Valley Cemetery immediately after the funeral. Please use this link to view the funeral live if you are not able to attend: https://bit.ly/jeanneking .