Russell Lee Foster

Russell Lee Foster passed on to glory on Monday morning, October 27, 2025 at Paradise Creek Health in Moscow, Idaho. He was 94 years old & attained his goal of being the oldest Foster to live in his family.

Dad was born July 14, 1931 in Elk River, Idaho to Leonard & Josephine Foster. He was the youngest of 4 siblings. From the stories Dad told, his 3 older sisters, Leona, Mildred & Elnora were a great help in building Dad’s strong character.

Dad’s gift of service began in early childhood. Gramma & Grampa had a grocery store in Elk River (Foster & Son Food Market). Dad & his red wagon made many deliveries around the town of Elk River.

During World War II there were two phones in Elk River. One was at my Grandparents’ house so, day or night, Dad or one of his sisters would go & tell the family their service member was on the phone so they could talk to their loved one halfway around the world.

Dad had some great childhood friends who stayed close throughout their lives. There were daily trips to Elk Creek Falls to swim, games of kick-the-can, and hide-and-seek. Many evenings at Gramma & Grampa’s house, the living room floor would be covered with children listening to the radio.

Dad graduated from Elk River High School in 1950. After high school he went to Kinman Business College in Spokane, WA. He then joined the U.S. Air Force where he served for 4 years.

In 1951, Dad met Mom, Margetta Cox, while attending West Texas State College as part of his Air Force training. She was also a student there. On June 25, 1952, Dad and Mom were married in Amarillo, TX.

Mom and Dad lived in Crestview, Fla., where Dad was stationed at Eglin Air Force base. Dad was honorably discharged in March of 1955.

They then moved to Spokane where Dad worked for the Spokane Daily Chronicle. After that he went to work for Safeway. In 1957, they were blessed with their first child, Melinda Anne. Tom followed in 1960.

In 1962, they purchased the IGA store in Deary from Vic and Pearl Anderson. They renamed the store Foster and Son Food Market, which they owned for 22 years. The store was truly a family business and it was great training for my sister & me. After they sold the store, Dad worked at the University of Idaho and retired from there in 1999.

Dad was very active in the community. He served on the city council for many years and was Mayor for 7 years. He was also a member of the Volunteer Fire Department back in the days when you could ride on the back of the fire truck where he was often seen with his apron flapping in the wind. He was a member of the local Lion’s Club and made sure his dues were paid through this coming June.

During his childhood, Dad had put his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for his salvation. He was very active in the Deary Community Bible Church. He taught Sunday school, and served in many ways. His gift of serving was very evident in all aspects of his life. Within the church and community as well as with family and friends.

Dad enjoyed visiting with friends, old and new. He enjoyed reading, especially about local history & such. He was also an excellent painter of all things house projects. He truly enjoyed a good Sunday afternoon drive, especially if it meant going to his beloved Elk River. His joy and sense of humor will truly be missed.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents; by the love of his life of 63 years, Margetta; his 3 sisters; and also his daughter Melinda of Jerome, Idaho. He is survived by his son Tom (Linda) of Deary; son-in-law Steve, of Jerome, Idaho and by his three favorite grandchildren, Lindi, Naphtali and Zach; by dear friends Dennis and Vickie Griner and family; and by nieces and nephews and extended family.

A special thank you to our church family, close friends and many community members, including the Deary Ambulance & Fire, for their wonderful support these past few years. It is so appreciated. Thanks also to Dr. Baldwin and his staff, as well as the staff at both Gritman Hospital and Paradise Creek in Moscow.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 14th, 2025 at the Deary Community Bible Church. Pastors Jared Donigian and Matt Hallson will officiate. Lunch will follow at the Deary Community Center.

Memorial gifts in Russ’s honor can be made to the Deary Community Bible Church or the Deary Fire and Ambulance Service.