John Stanton White

John S. White, 86, of Nampa, passed away on Sunday June 16, 2019 at his home of natural causes. John was born June 17, 1932 to Elmer J. and Lula Pruitt White in Brogan, OR and was the second oldest child of five. As a young boy the family went by wagon train to Eugene, OR. During the trip little John wouldn’t leave his shoes on and they had to keep going back on the trail to get his shoes. John’s father, Elmer passed away while they were in Eugene. The family returned to Boise in 1941 where his mother met and married active Air Force Master Sgt Ralph Ross. While John’s stepfather was deployed overseas in 1945 the family lived in a tent in Ann Morrison Park in Boise due to the lack of housing for military families. Twelve-year-old John was quoted in the local paper saying “I wouldn’t trade places with anybody. Lots of fellows would give a lot to live in a tent all the time.“ The family traveled to various Air Force bases until his stepfather retired in 1950. During that time John earned his high school diploma while in the family was stationed in the Philippines. Upon his stepfather’s retirement from the Air Force the family returned to Idaho and settled in Nampa in 1951 where he met his wife, Betty L Francis. The couple was married on Oct 22, 1951. The couple continued to live in the Nampa area for the nearly 65 years of their marriage. They had 5 children, 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. He retired from Western Idaho Potato in 1995. Along with his wife they also owned and operated White’s Hobby Palace where they met many wonderful people through craft fairs and other events. John is survived by his daughters, Janet S. Rush (Michael), Barbara L. Wade (Timothy), Elaine M. Foster (Tom) and son Elmer E. White (Amy). He was preceded in death by his wife Betty, eldest son Richard J. White, his mother Lula Pruitt White, father Elmer J White, 4 sisters Urvilla (Bobbie) Blickfeldt, Martha Warden, Emma Lou Strickland, Susan Ross and brother Leroy Ross. He was well loved and will be greatly missed by all that knew him. John’s wish was that people do not mourn his death but celebrate his time we had together. Friends are invited to share their memories at the “Celebration” of his life on Saturday, June 22 at 1 pm at his home, 6301 Paintbrush Lane, Nampa, ID. There will be a blessing at 1 pm followed by a meal provided by the family.

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