Obituary
Rosalyn Marie McCandless
April 3rd, 1941 - July 27th, 2026
Rosalyn Marie McCandless of Idaho Falls passed peacefully at the age of 85 on July 27, 2026.
Rosalyn was born on April 3, 1941, to Bernice and William (Bill) Gibson in Santa Monica, CA. She grew up in Grass Valley, California, in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
After graduating from El Camino High School, Rosalyn went on to earn her professional secretary certificate.
In order to stay close to her parents as they moved to Northern Idaho, Rosalyn also relocated to the area. There she started working at Bank of Idaho, where she met her husband, Kent. Married in August of 1966, she would have marked their 60th anniversary this year.
After relocating to Idaho Falls in 1973, she started working for Idaho Falls School District #91, where she worked as the secretary to the superintendent for nearly 30 years until her retirement in 2002.
Rosalyn was active in the equestrian community, raising Arabians as part of their business, Serendipity Arabians, doing horse shows, and founding the Snake River Foxhounds Pony Club, winning numerous awards along the way.
Additionally, Rosalyn took up Diné (Navajo) style weaving on a traditional vertical loom in her open, sunny “loom room,” creating stunning works of art.
Many will remember the beautiful grounds at the home she and Kent had built in 1974. Situated on nearly seven acres, they spent years cultivating the beautiful gardens. Rosalyn was a Master Gardener and an active participant in numerous local garden clubs.
Rosalyn was preceded in death by her brother, Billy Gibson, her husband, Kent McCandless, and her parents. She is survived by her daughters: Kimberly (Reuben) Wilson, Jill McCandless, and Melanie (Matthew) Novak, all of Idaho Falls; five grandchildren: Cody (Kate) Wilson of Highland, UT, Brandee (Matt) Putnam of Rigby, ID, Amber (Greg) Parise of Highland, CA, Devin Novak of Cedar City, UT, and Alexander Novak of Oahu, HI; and 10 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Idaho Falls Friendship Garden Fund, c/o Downtown Development Corporation, 381 Shoup Ave. #207, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, Attn. Kerry Hammon.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, at the Chapel in the Valley, 3263 Swan Valley Hwy., Swan Valley. A visitation will be from 4-6:00 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Interment will be at the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.coltrinmortuary.com.
