Starla Rae Rice Pyper, age 70, beloved wife of Melvin Dean Pyper, passed away suddenly on December 16, 2022, in Price, Utah.
Starla was the eldest of seven children, born on August 6, 1952, in Salmon, Idaho to George Arthur and Shirley Mae MacRae Rice. She thoroughly enjoyed her time growing up in Salmon with her siblings.
She married the love of her life, Melvin Pyper, on March 11, 1995, in the Manti Temple after friends were finally able set them up. They spent the last 27 years lovingly by each other’s side.
Starla was a lifelong educator, teaching 30 years in the local area. She began her career splitting time between Durrant and Wellington elementary schools, finishing her career full time at Wellington. Starla touched countless lives and will be missed deeply by all her former students and colleagues.
She had a deep love and appreciation for her Savior Jesus Christ and was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served her fellow brothers and sisters with the Spirit, having served many years in the Relief Society and Primary organizations. Starla and Mel served a six-month service mission in Paducah, Texas on the Church farm. While Mel was busy on heavy equipment, Starla again found her niche, assisting in the local schools in Paducah. She made hats and pillowcases for the children, always finding someone to serve.
Starla was very family oriented and was in touch with her parents weekly up until both of their passings last spring. She enjoyed square dancing and liked specially to read books. She loved many things, but no one more than Mel and her Savior Jesus Christ. Starla will be missed deeply by her family and a community of friends.
She is survived by her husband, Melvin Pyper, Wellington, UT; daughters, Misty (Brett) Unzaga, Billings, MT, and Buffie (Chris) Romrell of California; five siblings, Robin (Lynn) Herbst, Tendoy, Idaho, Kevin (Tammy) Rice, Salmon, Idaho, Chloe (Richard) McNabb, New Smyrna Beach, FL, Rock (Frances) Rice, Ammon, Idaho, Heather (Jeff) Saxton, Shelley, Idaho; sister-in-law, Linda Rice, Idaho Falls, Idaho; nine grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, George and Shirley; and brother, Evan.
Funeral service, Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., Wellington Stake Center where the family will receive friends Monday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and an hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Interment, Wellington City Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Starla online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.