Dennis R. Gregory

Rupert - Dennis R. Gregory, 52 year old Rupert resident died Friday, July 6, 2001, at his home in Rupert, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 8, 1948, in Council, Idaho, the son of Elvis Eric and Itha Lee Rule Gregory. In 1958 he moved with his family to a homestead northwest of Paul. Dennis graduated from Minico High School in 1966. While in school he was active in drama, played football and wrestled. He attended Rick's College for one year. Dennis married Tamra Twiss on August 31, 1968, in Rupert. He attended Idaho State University and in 1970 he graduated with a degree in Education. Dennis and Tamra moved to Rupert where he had since resided. In 1998, he received his masters degree in Special Needs from the University of Idaho.

Dennis loved teaching; he taught Drama, English, Speech, and Drivers Ed at West Minico Junior High School in Paul for twenty-seven years. He enjoyed camping, woodworking, remodeling and rebuilding Volkswagens. he was always smiling and was the life of every party, spreading laughter wherever he went. He also enjoyed traveling, reading, writing poetry and plays, and spending time with family. He was inspirational in his courageous battle with cancer. He truly lived every second of his life with zest, joy, and laughter.

Survivors include his loving wife of almost 33 years, Tamra Gregory of Rupert; two daughers, Lisa Gregory of Reno, Nevada, and Jan Gregory of Chandler, Arizona; a sister, Claudia (Morris) Lehman of Pocatello; a brother, Max (Barbara) Gregory of Idaho Falls; aunts; uncles; cousins; nieces; and nephews; a dog, Susie Q of Rupert; granddogs, Silly and Putty of Reno, Nevada, and Astro and Tia of Chandler, Arizona; and a grandcat, Sebaszian of Chandler, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents. A very special thank you to Dennis's wonderful wife, the Cassia Hospice, Cassia Regional Medical Center Nurses, and the staff at the Southern Idaho Cancer Center for their love and care. 

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2001 at the Rupert United Methodist Church, 605 H. Street, with Pastor Elaine Steele, officiating. Internment will follow at the Paul Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. prior to the memorial service. Arrangements are under the direction of Payne Mortuary, 221 West Main Street in Burley. The family suggests memorials in memory of Dennis, be given to West Minico Junior High School or to a favorite charity. Additional obituary information can be found at Payne Mortuary's web site located at http://payne.plan4ever.com.