Obituary
Melba Jean Hurley
March 5th, 1948 - July 7th, 2026
Melba Jean “Jeanie” Hurley, 78, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, surrounded by family.
Jean was born on March 5, 1948, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the daughter of Carl Gustafson and Melba Waddoups Gustafson. She was raised in Idaho Falls and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. Idaho Falls remained her life-long home, and it was there that she built her family, her friendships, and a lifetime of memories.
In November 1966, Jean married the love of her life, Richard Earl Hurley Jr., in Idaho Falls. Their marriage began a 59-year journey together, filled with the joys and challenges of raising a family and building a life side by side. Together, they were blessed with three children.
Jean dedicated much of her career to the Department of Energy, where she worked as a secretary until her retirement in 2010. She was a member of Christ Community Church, where her faith was an important part of her life.
Jean found happiness playing games with family and friends, cross-stitching, and traveling. But perhaps her greatest joy was the people she loved. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, and her family was at the heart of her life.
Jean is survived by her husband, Richard E. Hurley Jr. of Idaho Falls, Idaho; daughter, Barbara Keckler of Lincoln City, Oregon; son, Richard Carl Hurley and daughter-in-law, Angie Hurley, of Idaho Falls, Idaho; daughter, Teri Hurley of Rigby, Idaho; sister, Susan Logue of Spokane, Washington; grandchildren, Cody Hurley of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Tyler Hurley of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Coltin Hurley of Salt Lake City, Utah, Tifani McKay of Washington, and Rachel Keckler Martinez of Pocatello, Idaho; and great-grandchildren, Noemi Jean Martinez Keckler and Rowan Scott McKay.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Melba Gustafson.
Jean leaves behind 59 years of marriage, three children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, countless memories, and a family who will carry her love with them for generations to come. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ Community Church on September 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to visit and share memories from 10:00–10:45 a.m. prior to the service. A lunch will follow the service.
