Kenneth Staples

Kenneth Palmer Staples, 80, of Ammon, passed Thursday, March 22, 2012, at home in the arms of his sweetheart, Rachel. He was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho.

He was born Feb. 15, 1932, in Goshen, Idaho, the son of Joseph Levi and Ada Palmer Staples.

Ken was raised in Goshen and Firth and graduated from Firth High School.

After high school, Ken joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

Ken was a farmer and owned his own gas station in Buhl, Idaho. He moved to California, where he enjoyed being a purchasing agent for Natkin & Co., and later he worked at Les Shamrock Heating and Cooling. He returned to Idaho to work on a farm in Jerome. Ken came back to the Idaho Falls area and began a successful toner-refilling business. He retired and moved to Kooskia, Idaho, in 1996.

Ken married Florence Arlene Fralick. Together they had three sons. They were later divorced.

Ken absolutely loved living along the Clearwater River in Kooskia. Nature was close to his heart. The pines and the quaintness was very nurturing to his mind and soul. His companions, Dakota and Shanee (his dogs), brought him a lot of joy.

He loved God and his country and was a patriot who believed in individual rights and freedom.

Ken loved to listen to and dance to music, and to read, but most of all, he loved doing anything at all as long as he had his wife, Rachel, by his side.

He set an example for love of God, family and country. He taught his sons good work ethics, to be independent and to always keep a good sense of humor. He was an excellent example of how to cherish love in marriage with Rachel, who meant the world to him, and he to her.

Ken is survived by his wife, Rachel Karla Fouts Croft Staples of Ammon; children, Rick (Alyce) Staples of Hurricane, Utah, and Kurt Staples (Sheenah) of Tacoma, Wash.; stepchildren, Jason (Debbie) Croft of Idaho Falls, Jennifer (Tim) Howard of Vancouver, Wash., Kent (Stephanie) Croft of Iona, Karen (Scott) Hoag of Iona, Brian (Kimmi) Croft of Iona and Brent (Michelle) Croft of Idaho Falls; 35 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren.

Ken was preceded in death by his first wife, Arlene, and their son, Mike.

At Ken's request, a private party will be held in his honor at a later date.

The family would like to thank all those who gave their support and help during these difficult times. Bless you, James, for the dedication and friendship you gave to Ken and Rachel.

Condolences may be sent online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.