Jeannine Rae Garey

Jeannine Rae Garey left this world in the comfort of her home in Twin Falls, Idaho, on November 11, 2025, where she had lived for 67 years with her husband Ken, who preceded her in death, at the age of 96. She had a freshly brewed cup of coffee by her side, while nestled in her recliner, comfortable in her pajamas and robe, enveloped in the warmth of a life well-lived.

Born on May 8, 1929, at her grandparents' house in Buhl, Idaho, Jeannine entered the world just as the Great Depression began to shape the lives of many. She attended school through the 8th grade at Syringa, an intimate two-room schoolhouse. In high school, she transitioned from a class of just two into a class of about one hundred, making memories until she graduated in 1947. These included memorable dances, the challenge of speech class, which she loathed, and successes in mathematics, operetta, typing, and Spanish.

Jeannine's career began at the First National Bank in Buhl, but her heart truly found its calling in the hot lunch program at Robert Stuart Jr. High, where she eventually became manager, a role she cherished and which she devoted herself to nourishing both the minds and bodies of the students she served.

Throughout her life, Jeannine treasured her family most of all. She met Ken Garey at a basketball tournament in 1948, and they married just two months later, on June 13. Jeannine and Ken welcomed their first child, Diane, a year later, followed by Rick in 1950, and finally completed their family with the birth of Nancy in 1955.

In addition to her role as a devoted mother, Jeannine was an active participant in the lives of her grandchildren & great-grandchildren, consistently supporting them in various activities and events. An adventurer at heart, Jeannine's interests included camping trips to Trinity Lakes, Jarbidge, Yellowstone Park, Stanton Crossing, the South Hills, and many other picturesque destinations filled with hikes and plenty of opportunities to fish.

Always on the go, whether she was gardening, shopping, going to exercise class, bowling, golfing, or spending time with her dog, Zeb, her personality shone through in her endless energy and passion for life. Jeannine's sense of fulfillment was evident in her own words: "I have had a good life and wouldn't change much of anything. I have lived in a wondrous era."

Jeannine became a member of the Lutheran Church on Easter Sunday, 2013, marking a significant milestone in her spiritual journey. Her legacy continues to be honored by her loving family, including her daughters, Diane Phillips of Three Forks, MT, and Nancy Lutz of Twin Falls, ID. She leaves behind a vibrant lineage of grandchildren: Lisa (Daryl) Malmquist, Angie (Allen) Casteel, Wendy (Bryan) Krauter, Jamie (Rand) Bryant, Jennifer (Scott) Holtzen, Tara (Joe) Bartley, Heather (Derek) Hood, and Kyle Garey. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, including Ryan Malmquist, Ashley (Samori) Odom, Zoe (Jacob) Walters, Ivy Casteel, Jordan Freeman, Abbie Freeman, Trajan Holtzen, Maia (Mason) Bolinske, Ryker Holtzen, Keegan Langer, Ebin Thomas, Sage Thomas, Hayden Langer, Adelane Bartley, Daxin Holtzen, Nathan Bartley, and Raina Garey, as well as her great-great-grandchildren, Oliver Bolinske and River Walters.

Jeannine was preceded in death by her husband, Ken Garey; her son, Rick Garey; her parents, Cecil and Utahna Childs; her siblings, Jim Childs and Barbara DeShazer; her son-in-laws, Jim Phillips and Bruce Lutz; and two great-grandchildren, Stefan Stultz and Reese Langer.

A Viewing will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Wilks Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 11:00 am, also at Wilks Magic Valley Funeral Home. The funeral service will be live-streamed. Click Here to View Funeral Service.  Please visit this page on the day of the service to view. Jeannine will be entombed at Sunset Memorial Park, 2296 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301.

Jeannine Rae Garey will be remembered not only for her vivacious spirit and deep love for family but also for the countless memories she created that will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, Jeannine's family requests donations may be made to ReeseSTRONG, Inc. Click Here to Make a Donation to ReeseSTRONG, Inc.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family using the guestbook section below.