B. Joan Rodriguez

It is with heavy hearts and great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Betty Joan Rodriguez (Joan), on December 14, 2024, at her home, surrounded by family.

Joan was born in Pocatello, Idaho, on September 7, 1940, to Howard Edward Rust and Fern Prescott Rust. She was the second oldest of four children, with an older sister, Carolyn LaRae Rust, and two younger brothers, Howard Keith Rust and William Edward Rust. Joan attended Pocatello schools and graduated from Pocatello High School class of 1958.

While still in school, Joan began working as a secretary at Garrett Freightlines. It was there that she met and married Clifford Gerald Kington in August 1959. Together, they had three children: John Edward Kington, Lori Jo Kington, and Geri Lyn Kington. They later divorced.

Joan devoted herself to raising her children, while they were young, she worked from home making curtains for the historic ID store. Once her children were older, she returned to the workforce, starting with the FMC Mineral Development Department. When that department closed, she transferred to the FMC Plant, where she worked as an administrative secretary. Joan earned her Certified Professional Secretary Designation and was actively involved in the National Secretaries Association. She worked at FMC until her retirement. She married Kirk R. Rodriguez and later divorced.

Following her retirement. Joan kept busy with various jobs, including transcribing for the FBI, working as an administrative secretary for Simplot and Idaho State University, and enjoying part-time work at Hickory Farms and Craft & Frames. Joan had a passion for crafts, and she spent much of her time making blankets, quilting, crocheting, and sewing. She especially loved making Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. Joan was also an excellent baker, renowned for her delicious cookies and her pies and pie crusts, which were the best ever. Above all, she cherished spending time with her grandchildren and enjoyed fishing. She was the best Mom and Grandma and was always there for her family.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, and her two brothers. She si survived by her children, John Edward (Sandra) Kington, Lori Jo Kington, and Geri Lyn (Sal) Kington Vialpondo; her grandchildren, Jennifer Kington, Nikki ( Mike) Wheatley, Andree (Spencer) Salvesen, Erika ( Jeremiah) Crosland, and Andrew Vialpondo; and eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Symbii Home Health and Hospice, especially Sarah, Jessica, Tara, Emma, Tiffany, Cheryl, Breanna, and Joe, as well as the Physical and Occupational Therapy teams, for their compassionate care.

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