Mabel Pauline Loughmiller

Mabel Pauline Foster Loughmiller passed away at the age of 97 on March 13, 2016, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Meridian surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 7, 1918, in Brunswick, Nebraska to Arthur Ralph Foster and Emma Clara Boumann Foster. Mabel was the third of four children. She had two older brothers, Gayle H. and James L. and a younger sister Verna June. Her mother passed away when Mabel was only 13 so she helped raise Verna and learned responsibility at an early age. She was a very strong person. Mabel was raised in the Union Pacific Depot in Emmett, Kansas as her father was the station agent. She attended school in Emmett where she played basketball. Mom was a life-long member of the Methodist church attending almost every Sunday well into her 90’s. She met her future husband one evening after youth fellowship in Emmett. Dad came west to Buhl for reliable work. Mabel married Lawrence Walter (Shorty) Loughmiller on July 23, 1939 in Eastman Park, Buhl, Idaho. They raised three sons Larry, Robert, and Don. Mom and Dad first farmed in the Deep Creek area and later on farms east of Buhl. Mom worked at MN King Co. and later began her banking career at the Farmers National Bank. In 1965 they purchased a farm in Twin Falls and she began working for the Twin Falls Bank & Trust. She retired from the bank in 1983. Upon her retirement, Mom and Dad purchased a home in Desert Hot Springs, California. For the next 25 years they spent their winters in California and summers in Twin Falls at the Lazy J Mobile Home Park. Mom always said this was the happiest time her life. They loved camping and fishing at Redfish Lake where the family spent a lot of time. Mom set a high bar for being involved and attending family activities. She always remembered everyone’s birthday with a card and gift. She was an outstanding wife, mother, and grandparent. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles every day until her eyesight failed. She had an amazing memory, never forgetting anything and everyone knew not to mess Mabel. Mom was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 66 years, son Larry, granddaughter Lori and all of her siblings. She is survived by her two sons, Robert (Sally) and Don (Gail) and daughter –in-law, Tukky. There are nine grandchildren, twenty-three great – grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. A viewing will be held at Rosenau Funeral Home in Twin Falls at 10a.m. on March 30th and a service honoring her life will be held at 11 a.m. The family wants to thank Grace Assisted Living for their loving care the past two years and St. Luke’s for their wonderful care during the last hours of mom’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Idaho Youth Ranch or your favorite charity.