LeRoy L (" R L ") Heiner

R. L. Heiner was the fourth child born to Joseph Andrew Heiner and Sara Rickenbach, January 7, 1933 at the family home in Bedford. They named him LeRoy L. Heiner but called him R.L. He had two older sisters Thrilva and Gayle and one older brother Charles. Later he would welcome a baby brother, Junior. He had his 86th birthday in January. R.L. told stories of how all the neighbors would get together and help each other out. He told of the weekend all the neighbors gathered together and built a barn. They all worked together because everyone needed help. They accomplished great things when they all worked in a big group. He said that was very common when he was growing up. He continued to help his neighbors with all their projects throughout the years. He was good to always help those who needed. He was a hard worker and had a great work ethic. He always was willing to help anyone in need.  R.L. attended grade school at the Bedford Elementary School. He had perfect attendance for four years. He graduated from the 8th grade and was happy to go on to High School. He attended Star Valley High School graduating in 1952. He attended Ricks College in Rexburg and BYU in Provo. R.L. worked on the family farm and milked cows. When he was 12 years old he helped his Uncles herd sheep work on the farm and clear off timber. He worked on the Snake River road in 1954 and helped build lodges in Jackson. For helping, UncleTed would take everyone fishing. R.L. loved fishing hunting and being outdoors. He enjoyed tying flies and fly fishing.
It was during this time that he went out on a blind date with, Mary Sanderson, from Freedom. They were married on June 18, 1954. R.L. and Mary made their home in two rooms of his parent’s home for 4 years. They purchased the creamery lot from C.S. Wray, and then traded it to Guy Fullmer for three acres on the corner. R.L. prepared a foundation, and purchased a home from Palisades Idaho and had it moved to the foundation where it still stands today.  R.L. had five children Rayell, Jo, Jackie, Randy and Jan. He continued working the farm and odd jobs to provide for his family. He continued to do his carpentry work which he enjoyed the most. He made cedar chests with his dad for all his children. Also he made picture frames and the last project was making clocks. He really enjoyed this and gave many away.
In December 1985 the family home burned. R.L. immediately had plans drawn up and with help from ward members, family and friends the main floor of the home was ready to move into. He finished the basement and put siding on the house and moved back into it the end of May 1986. In the fall when all the farming was completed he would go into the mountains and be a hunting camp guide. He helped Jack Fluckiger in the late 60’s and early 70’s. They would go up Willow Creek. He also guided for Ted Frome up Greys River. He met many good people and maintained these friendships through the years. R.L. worked at Simplot Mine. He also worked at the dump greeting people who came to dump their garbage. He loved the Eagles, bear, cats, and coyotes that came to feed on the carcasses at the dump as well as the people who came and visited. He went fishing with Carl Heiner at Jackson Lake. It was getting late and they decided to go but he did not leave before catching his prize fish. He loved it and was very proud of it. It hangs on the wall in the piano room.  R.L. held various church positions and loved when he taught the deacon’s. He taught them for many years. He also was the purchasing representative for the Thayne Wyoming Stake. He helped work on the Auburn-Grover, Freedom, Thayne and Bedford churches. He had a strong testimony of the Gospel and the plan of salvation. He worked hard all his life and looked forward to his graduation from this earth. What a great family reunion they had? R.L. has been on oxygen for years, since the grain dust caused him to have trouble with his lungs. He was doing good and going forward and he had been going up and down the stairs in preparation for the summer rides on the four wheeler and farming with Randy. He spiked a fever of 103.5 and never got better.  He passed on March 18, 2019, at SVMC, three months before his 65th wedding anniversary.  He leaves behind his wife Mary, five children Rayell, Jo (Willie deceased), Jackie (Scott), Randy (Nicki) and Jan, ten grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren . One brother Joseph (Sharleen) Heiner, sister-in-law Kayleen (Glayde) Hill and many nieces and nephews. Proceded in death by his parents Joe and Sara, Sisters Thrilva, Gayle and brother Charles. Funeral services were held Saturday March 23, at Bedford, interment in Bedford Cemetery.