Bernice Kowallis Vallembois

Bernice Kowallis Vallembois, 94, left this life March 2, 2012. Bernice was born in Kaysville Utah to John Ernest Kowallis and Hestella Abrams on March 26, 1917.

Bernice was raised on a dry farm in Arbon Valley Idaho. She was the 3nd of 8 children, four brothers and three sisters (Ernest, Roy, Baby Girl Kowallis, Pauline, Willard, Donna and John T). She attended school in a one room school house just down the lane from the family's log home. When Bernice was 13 the family moved to Tyhee.

In 1935 Bernice married Milo Bringhurst. They had two children, LaMar and Neline. They were later divorced. In 1942 Bernice went to work at the Union Pacific Railroad. She remarried in 1952 to Frank Kirby. They had one daughter, Sherry Lynn. They were later divorced. Bernice remarried again in 1965 to Charles Vallembois. At that time she moved into the big city of Pocatello. They later divorced.

In July, 1977 Bernice retired from the UPRR after 35 years of service. She enjoyed ceramics at the Senior Citizen Center, working in her yard, knitting, crocheting and watching The Price Is Right and Judge Judy. After slowly loosing her sight it was difficult for her to keep her hands busy. Bernice served many callings as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Bernice is survived by her children, LaMar (Beth) Bringhurst of Oak City, Utah, Neline (Vaughn) Smith of Pocatello, Idaho, and Sherry (Dave) Buckway of North Ogden, Utah; 10 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; 9 great-great grandchildren; and one sister, Donna Mae Peterson of Connecticut and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers, 2 sisters and grandson, Donald Smith.

Service information is posted under the "Service Schedule" tab above.

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