MaryEtta Wright

MaryEtta Lee was born on April 21, 1945, in Rupert, Idaho, and died on January 14, 2026, in Nampa, Idaho.

MaryEtta was preceded in death by her parents, Casper and Alverna Lee; her brother, Darrel Lee; and her sisters, Ramona Okelberry and Zelma Oldham; and is survived by her husband, Richard Wright; her brothers, Stan, Donald, LaVere, and Dale; her children, Rikki Wright, Darren (Tracy) Wright, Annette (Dave) Snyder, and Judy (John) Gibson; her 23 grandchildren (including spouses); and her 13 great-grandchildren.

She attended school in Rupert, Idaho, and graduated from Minidoka High School in 1963, having never missed a day of school, from the first day of kindergarten to graduation day. MaryEtta was working at the movie theater when she was introduced to the really cute friend of her brother LaVere, Richard Wright. On April 3, 1969, they were sealed in the Logan Utah LDS temple for time and all eternity. Their love for each other created strong family bonds. MaryEtta's family was very important to her; she would pray daily for her family members by name. In fact, if any of her family needed help, they would ask her to say a prayer, because they believe her pure heart had a direct line to heaven.

MaryEtta was known for being a hard worker and her love of people. She loved to be outdoors. In fact, as a little girl, MaryEtta would swap her indoor chores with her brothers so that she could complete the outside chores. As an adult she loved to tend to her garden and yard-she mowed her own lawn well into her 70s, and it was immaculate. MaryEtta wore out the sidewalks of her neighborhood walking with a smile on her face and greeting everyone she came in contact with. She made everyone's day brighter. A neighbor characterized MaryEtta as being "the cornerstone of the neighborhood," which describes her perfectly. She loved to hear about everybody's day and would remember what was shared with her and ask about it during the next interaction. MaryEtta didn't seek out to be the center of attention and was content to sit and listen in any conversation, but it was her humility and meekness that made everyone feel at home in her presence.

It is reasonable to assume that MaryEtta completed at least 1 act of kindness a day. At nearly 81 years of age, MaryEtta lived 29,488 days-we know she changed her corner of the world with that much kindness.

Though we are sad at her passing, we know that she is no longer in pain and that she is enjoying being reunited with her family in heaven. We are comforted by the words of President Russell M. Nelson: "The sting of death is soothed by a steadfast faith in Christ, a perfect brightness of hope, a love of God and of all men, and a deep desire to serve them. That faith, that hope, that love will qualify us to come into God's holy presence and, with our eternal companions and families, dwell with Him forever." And we will strive to keep MaryEtta's legacy alive by striving to be kind each and every day.

The graveside service will be held on January 26, 2026, at 1:00pm at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery-10100 N Horseshoe Bend Rd, Boise, ID 83714