Wayne Gifford

John Wayne Gifford, 90, was born July 2, 1935, to John Henry and Ruth Ella Russell Gifford, in Shelley, Idaho. He returned to his Heavenly Father on February 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.

Wayne’s life was a testament to love, faith, and quiet service.

Wayne spent his childhood in several towns in the Intermountain West and graduated from Idaho Falls High School.

From 1958-60, he faithfully served in the California Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved his mission, and by his example, encouraged his family to serve faithfully in the church.

Wayne met and fell in love with LaNada Fae Hopkins in 1957, and on June 23, 1960, they were married in the Idaho Falls, Idaho LDS Temple.

Wayne also honorably served in the Army National Guard from 1960 to 1966.

Wayne and LaNada were blessed with nine children (eight surviving), and he often shared that he had no regrets. If given the chance to do it all again, he said he would have had even more children.

He dedicated his career to working as a maintenance engineer, repairing tools for Simplot in Pocatello was his favorite job. But his true passion was serving others. Wayne’s love language was action, showing his care through steady, selfless service and always being there for those around him. His greatest joy was his family.

Wayne deeply loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and spent countless hours studying and teaching its principles. He served in many callings, including Young Men and High Priest group. Together, he and LaNada served as dance directors, Stake Missionaries, and for 10 years at the Family History Center in Idaho Falls.

Wayne’s legacy is one of unwavering love, humble service, and enduring faith—a life beautifully lived and deeply cherished. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and his relentless teasing. He will be greatly missed.

Wayne is survived by his wife, LaNada, and his children, Brenda (Reid, deceased) Dickson, Anita (Moses) Kinikini, Catherine (Rodney) Rigby, DeWayne (Hasee) Gifford, Elizabeth (Bill) Peters, Michael (Cathy) Gifford, Patricia (Jerry) Leffler, and Nadine (Walter) Bell. His legacy also includes 31 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, along with one unofficially adopted child, Georgina (Andrew) Schwendiman, and their children and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the Kimball Ward, 744 N. 600 E., Firth, Idaho. The family will visit with friends Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery where Military Honors will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard.

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