Rulon A. Hillam

1931 - 2026

Obituary

Rulon Abraham Hillam

Rulon Abraham Hillam, 94, of Blackfoot, Idaho, peacefully passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Rulon was born September 19, 1931 in Marysville, Idaho. He was born to George Marvin Hillam and Laura May Lemmon. He felt greatly outnumbered by six sisters: Nina, Grace, Vonda, Lola, Margaret, and Bernice. They spent a happy childhood growing up on the farm in Marysville. He attended elementary school in Marysville, North Fremont High School, and Ricks College. As a youth, he enjoyed fishing Henry's Fork of the Snake River, boxing, and singing in a quartet.

He served a mission for the LDS Church in the Southern States Mission. Upon returning, he met the love of his life, Marlene Rice. They were married in the Idaho Falls temple on November 12, 1953. Soon after, he was drafted into the Army. He was stationed in Fort Ord, California, and then transferred to Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and Fort Meade, Maryland, where he was trained as a radar technician. He was honorably discharged, and returned to Ashton, Idaho to help his father work on the farm. Soon after, he applied to the Atomic Energy Commission in the early years of the site. He spent 67 years working there, becoming the longest-working employee. He officially retired at the age of 90.

They settled in Blackfoot for a few years, until they found their perfect home in Groveland where they raised a family of ten children. Their home was filled with music, and they enjoyed riding horses, climbing trees, and growing a big garden. They often entertained in their back yard around the fire, where scones and apple cider were staples. Rulon was well-known for his dutch oven cobbler.

Rulon influenced the lives of countless youth as a Scout Master over many years. He achieved the highest honor in Scouting, the Silver Beaver award. He was an avid outdoorsman, and especially enjoyed pack- trips with his horses.

He blessed many through his years of service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many callings, culminating in the mission he served with Marlene in Nauvoo, Illinois. They also served together as ordinance workers in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Rulon actively served in the community as a member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, where he spearheaded projects to build monuments honoring the pioneers of Bingham County. He loved to study history, and felt deeply grateful for his country.

He is survived by his children: Linda (Blake) Dance, Blackfoot, ID; Melanie (Jeff) Stoddard, Phoenix, AZ; David of Costa Mesa, CA; Dianne (Trent) Rencher, Poulsbo, WA; Julie (Hal) Peterson, Idaho Falls, ID; Dan (Julie) Hillam of Blackfoot, ID; Randy of Seattle, WA; Gayla (Lance) Millington, Boise, ID; Barry (Camille) of Victor, ID, and Jennifer (Jeremy) Mordock, Huntersville, NC. He has 34 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Marlene, his parents, sisters, a brother, sons-in-law Blake Dance and Jeff Stoddard, daughter-in-law Tammy Nelson, and grandson Mike Peterson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 3 at 11am at the Groveland Ward Building (155 North, 380 West, Blackfoot). There will be a viewing from 6:30-8:30 pm Thursday evening at the Hawker Funeral Home (132 South Shilling, Blackfoot), and again from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Ashton Pineview Cemetery.The family will meet with friends from 6:30-8:30 Thursday, April 2 at Hawker Funeral Home (132 South Shilling, Blackfoot); as well as Friday morning one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Ashton Pineview Cemetery at 3:30pm.