Romaine Heaton

Beth Romaine Heaton, 94, of Idaho Falls, passed away March 30, 2024, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Romaine was born April 10, 1929, in Payne, Idaho, to Phares Phillip Young and Thelma Frandsen Young. She was the second child joining her older brother, Theo. Swede, O’Dell, and Lloyd came next, followed by VaLae, Mary, and Yvonne. With such a large family, Romaine helped her mom with household chores, washing, cooking, and helping take care of her siblings. She loved being “Mother” to her three little sisters. She adored them, and loved to wash and press their clothes, dress them, and fix their hair. She even got to name her youngest sister, Yvonne. The family had a very large garden, and Romaine helped her mother can the produce. Romaine attended school in Iona, Idaho, and graduated from Iona High School in 1947.

On August 28, 1950, she married Don Oliver Heaton in Idaho Falls. There, Donnie, their first son, was born. They then moved to Pocatello, Idaho, where their second son, Bob, was born. They moved back to Idaho Falls, and their daughter, Marriann, was born, followed by their son, Carey.

Romaine was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and her sweetheart were sealed together in the Idaho Falls Temple on April 26, 2023.

Don and Romaine established Romaine’s in 1959. They also owned a Mary Carter Paint Store and a health food store. Mom loved decorating and making her home a beautiful place for her family. She loved putting pictures together in scrapbooks before scrapbooking was even a thing! She LOVED jewelry, flowers, and dolls. She loved anything pink, purple, or any vibrant color. She and Don loved to dance and taught ballroom dancing to many people in the area. Mom and Dad were members of the International Society of Dance Masters, passing the board and being qualified to be dance instructors. Mom and Dad had a television show where they taught kids to dance. Their children were featured on the show dancing with their partners when they were little. It was fun for the kids to see themselves on TV. Don and Romaine were also choreographers for the Pioneer Day Production of “My Fair Lady”.

She adored her children, their spouses, and especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She loved to laugh, socialize, tell stories, and visit with her family and friends. She loved parties, presents, and surprises. She truly was the “life of the party”.

Romaine is survived by her son, Donnie (Debi) Heaton of South Jordan, UT, formerly of Idaho Falls; son, Bob (Denise) Heaton of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Marriann (Aaron) Hough-Nelson of Nashville, TN; son, Carey (Julie) Heaton of Idaho Falls, ID; brother, Rex O’Dell (Eva, deceased) Young of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, VaLae (Terry) Olsen of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, Mary (Tony, deceased) De St. Jeor of Denver, CO; sister, Yvonne (Bill) Berry of Idaho Falls, ID; 19 grandchildren; 59 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don Heaton; and brothers, Theo, Swede, and Lloyd.

The family is grateful to MorningStar Senior Living of Idaho Falls, Hands of Hope Hospice, and a special thank you to Audra Burgener, for her love and care of our mom.

As Grandma Romaine would say . . . “Happy Day”, “Whoopi-do”, “never goodbye . . . so long”, and “see you later!”

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2024, (on what would have been her 95th Birthday), at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services, both visitations at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery.

Services will be broadcast live at www.woodfuneralhome.com.

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