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BORN
1946
DIED
2023
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Ruth Rayburn Obituary
January 16, 1946 - December 15, 2023
Boise, Idaho - (Ruthy) Ruth Ann Rayburn, 77, of Boise went home to her savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, December 15, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She died surrounded by her family. Ruthy was born in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska on January 16,1946 to Norman and Alma Lee Alexander. She grew up in Minatare, NE and graduated from Minatare HS in 1964. In 1966 she married Norm Rayburn in Minatare, Nebraska and they made their home in Payette, ID. In 1968, they moved to Boise and then moved again for work in 1978 to Burley.
Ruthy enjoyed baking, sewing, gardening, Bible study groups, and spending time with family and friends. In her younger years, Ruthy enjoyed bowling in a league, playing volleyball, leading 4-H, and working with children. She worked at various jobs over the years.
Ruthy liked to volunteer her time and spent many years volunteering at the hospital in Burley, with Christian Evangelism Fellowship and Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS). Ruthy was active in church and served in many positions while a member of several Presbyterian churches. She was a member of Chapter BZ of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
Ruthy and Norm traveled extensively with Ruthy's sister and brother-in-law. They rarely missed watching their grandkids in a concert or sporting event. Ruthy and Norm built lasting relationships with children that they sponsor in Kenya, Papua New Guinea, and Uganda.
Ruthy is survived by her daughters, Michele (Kevin) Sagez, Denise Rayburn, her grandchildren – Mason DeLoera, Sephora Wontor, Ivy Rayburn, Anna and Brianna Sagez, and Casey Rayburn; her sister Norma (Bob) McRae of Broomfield Colorado, and several nieces and nephews. Ruthy was preceded in death by her husband, Norm, son Sam, parents Norman and Alma Lee, and brother Roy Lee.
A viewing will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023, from 5-7pm at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W Carlton Bay Dr, Boise. Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 11am at Christ Presbyterian Church, 6858 N Glenwood, Garden City.
Donations in her name may be sent to Christ Presbyterian Church; World Outreach Ministry Foundation; Child Evangelism Fellowship of Idaho; or Caring Hearts and Hands of Hope.
Full obituary can be found on Bowman Funeral Parlor website: www.bowmanfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Rayburn
Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.
5 Entries
Vincent Muli Kituku
June 4, 2025
In this journey we call life, we meet many people, but some occupy a special place in our hearts. Ruthy is one of those people whose life is a walking sermon. She called me with questions about some kids she was educating in Uganda. That was the beginning of many meetings and phone calls. Ruth was simply one of the best gifts God could share with this world. Today, in Kenya, there tens of thousands of people with clean drinking water, healthcare Centre and quality education because of Ruthy and Norman her husband. I miss them a lot.
Irene
January 8, 2024
Ruth gave me that I live right now. It's because of her that I went to school. May the lord sleep her in eternity.
Mary Day
December 22, 2023
We lived over on Bennett Ave. So my your mom taught my daughter JaNice in 4-H. I called her when I saw the Obit and she said Ruthie taught me to sew in 4-H. I will always remember what a great smile she always had. The Day family sends our thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Linda Culley,from Burley,ID
December 21, 2023
She made the best sausage gravy I have ever tasted. She will be in my prayers as always.
Fred Ritsema
December 21, 2023
Our prayers and sympathy to the children and their families of Ruthie Rayburn. She is an inspiring and wonderful person. from Fred & Barbara Ritsema
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Memorial Events
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Dec
22
Viewing
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Bowman Funeral Directors - Garden City10254 W Carlton Bay Dr, Garden City, ID 83714
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Bowman Funeral Directors - Garden City10254 W Carlton Bay Dr, Garden City, ID 83714
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