Bernice Drury

Bernice (Merrill) Drury was born in Rupert Idaho to Leo Merrill and Ellen (Baily) Merrill on June 23, 1920, she passed away peacefully in her home on March 22, 2019 at the age of 98.   She grew up on a farm in Rupert Idaho that her Father acquired using his military benefits. There was many interesting happenings and memories in her life on the farm.  For example having to use a two-hole outhouse that was far away from the house and she was afraid to use in the dark.  One of the very important memories in her life was the sleigh that her Father made to get to town because of the heavy snows out in the county.  Her Father built it by himself and out of materials he had at the farm. She was joined by her sister Marie in December 24, 1927.  She attended school in Rupurt and graduated in 1938. After high school she moved to Twin Falls Idaho and attended Twin Falls Business School.  She got a job at Lincoln School for several years and then transferred to the Superintendents Office and worked as a payroll clerk under Ernest Ragland for many years.  After Mr Ragland retired, she moved to TFHS as a media clerk where she stayed until retirement.  She served a total of thirty-two years with the school district.      One year after graduation from high school she met the love of her life; Kenny Drury.  They were married Nov 3, 1940 and spent 64 years together before Kenny passed away December 3, 2004.  To this union brought three children.  Kathy was born December 2, 1942, followed by Roselle, November 13, 1944, followed by Kenneth, April 8, 1947.  They enjoyed many great times together, camping, fishing, hiking, and rock hounding. Bernice and Kenny were long standing members of the Northside and Magic Valley Gem and Mineral Clubs.      She was always the life of the party at family gatherings.  As her hearing failed later in life she would spontaneously come up with the funniest stories,which always made everyone laugh.       Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Roselle Rayborn,  husband Kenny, sister Marie Kim, and grandson Greg Howard.  She leaves behind her daughter Kathy (Jerry) Fraley, Springdale WA, son Ken (Pam), Kimberly, ID,  8 grandchildren, many  great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and her little furry companion Taffy.      A visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday 3/31/2019 from 5 to 7 at Parke's Funeral Chapel, services will be held Monday April 1, 2019 at 1 PM at Parke's.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Sunset Memorial Park.