Clarie Louise Browning

Clarie Louise Browning, 81, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, February 15, 2026, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Clarie was born June 24, 1944, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to apiarist Elmer Floyd Browning and Iva Grace Mikesell Browning.

Clarie spent her childhood in Idaho Falls, attending local schools and graduating from Idaho Falls High School. She graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, with a degree in Early Childhood Development, then obtained her master’s degree in Special Education from Utah State in June of 1974. Clarie spent 35 years as an effective and well loved special education teacher in the Idaho 93 School District, retiring in 2000. She committed her heart and soul to hundreds of precious children in a career known for early burn-out.

Clarie was a committed and faithful daughter of God, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has served as primary president and a youth instructor in the primary organization, as well as many other church callings. She also spent several years as a volunteer in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Clarie loved cats! She enjoyed their companionship and delighted in their games and individual personalities.

Clarie had a unique and beautiful handwriting, a quick bright wit and sense of humor, brilliant green eyes that sparkled when she smiled and laughed. She was loving, compassionate, and understood people. She loved camping, traveling, a variety of handwork, music, books, and was an accomplished seamstress. She had many collectibles, knickknacks, trinkets, miniatures, baskets, bags, tins and do-dahs that she enjoyed and treasured. Her places of travel included an extended and memorable stay in Brazil with a close college friend, an east/west trip across the country of Canada and many excursions throughout the United States. She had a special place of retreat in Swan Valley, where she enjoyed time and memories with family and friends.

Clarie loved her 19 nieces and nephews, and made every effort to be at the important life events. She enjoyed listening to their life experiences and rejoiced in their progress. She was loved by the children in her extending family lines.

Clarie had many health issues. She fought through each life threatening event that tried to shorten her 81 years. Maria Trejo became a trusted and dearly loved friend when she became her caretaker over 10 years ago. There were others who were valuable in this position, including Fedra Lopez. Both these capable and dedicated women have the gratitude, love ad respect of Clarie’s family.

Clarie is survived by her brother, Merle B. Browning; sister, Cara Lee (Myron) Karlinsey of Moore, ID.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Grace Browning; brother, A. Kaye Browning; sister-in-laws, Joyce Browning, and Wendy Browning; nephews, Jonas Karlinsey, and Micah Karlinsey; and niece, Gina Louise Browning.

Clarie will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and her longtime friend and caregiver, Lynette Jordan.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Idaho Falls 2nd Ward, 885 S. Boulevard. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.