Elwood M. Rich Elwood Melendy Rich, 90, of Burley, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2011.
He was born on Dec. 16, 1920, in Burley to Helen Melendy and Roscoe C. Rich. He attended Burley schools and graduated from Burley High School. Pomona College in Claremont, Calif., was his choice for college, where he met Helen Hall, his future bride. He graduated from Pomona in 1942, and married on Dec. 7, 1942. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy that same year and served until 1945. He was a lieutenant on the U.S.S. Underhill, which was sunk in 1945 by a Japanese kaiten. Lt. Rich was senior surviving officer and was awarded a Purple Heart.
After the war, Elwood and Helen moved to Burley, where Elwood joined his father, Roscoe C., and brother, Roscoe J., in the R.C. Rich Sheep Company.
Suzanne, Barbara, Ronn and Lorraine joined the family in Burley. They spent summers in Soda Springs, where the sheep company was headquartered during this time of year.
In later years, Elwood and Helen spent time in their condo in Sun Valley, where they enjoyed hiking, golf, cross country skiing, and music festivals.
Survivors are the four children and their spouses, Suzanne and Don Hartwich, Barbara and Bill Davis, Ronn and Roberta Rich, and Lorraine and Dean Pihlstrom; eight grandchildren, Ginger Jordan, William Davis, Scott Hartwich, Darren Hartwich, Eric Hartwich, Zane Pihlstrom, Helen Pihlstrom, and Max Pihlstrom; and 10 great-grandchildren, Brady, Melissa, Cody, Jackson, Anabella, Alyssa, Lauren, Riley, Dalilah, and Ruby.
Rich was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist, Rotary, and the Elks. He was also on the board of Idaho Bank and Trust (later Key Bank) for many years.
A private graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 6, at Pleasant View Cemetery, 1645 E. 16th St., Burley. Elk rites will be provided by the BPOE Lodge No. 2106. Military rites will be accorded by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.
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