Sep. 1, 1948 - Aug. 15, 2021
Date of Service: Aug. 18, 2021
BURLEY - Garth Kay Osterhout (Garth Kay Toots-a-baby doll/ Garfield) passed over to his eternal home August 15, 2021, at 8:15am at the age of 72 surrounded by his family. He enjoyed seeing his siblings, children, and grandchildren in his last few days on this earth.
Dad was born Sept 1, 1948, in Burley, Idaho, to Kenneth and Melba Rasmussen Osterhout. He has seven siblings: Kenneth who died in infancy, and LeNell Driesel, Gale Bronson, Linda Waters, Coleen Arnoux, Doreen Lowder, and Eldon Osterhout. The family lived and grew up in Declo, Idaho, near the old Osterhout homestead.
Garth married Christy Smith and they were blessed with two beautiful children Robbie Osterhout and Kelli Moralez. In 1972, He married Rowene Dunnihoo and fathered five children: Brian, Jeffrey, Heidi, Joshua, and Katie. In 2002 he married his soulmate, Lynn Marie Rider Snebold, who brought two more children, Dana Snebold and Zach Snebold from her previous marriage. From these marriages sprang 21 Grandchildren and three Great-Grandchildren. Dad loved his ladies and his family.
Garth grew up farming, fighting, fishing, wrestling, and hunting. When he wasn’t in the mountains, he could be found breaking horses, mules, and bones. There is a family consensus that he spent more time in the hospital than at home. The hospital staff knew him by name and treated him like family (his home away from home). This was because he lived life to the fullest. He wasn’t afraid of having fun and breaking some rules. Although dad suffered from dyslexia it never stopped him from increasing his knowledge or learning (even if it was the hard way). He always had an easy smile to give, great big bear hugs and an infectious laugh. He was smart, caring and kind. He had a huge heart and loved being with people.
While serving in the community dad was active in and loved the Boy Scouts of America and could be seen taking boys all around Idaho camping and working on merit badges. He was Scout Master for 7+ years and because of his influence he helped multiple young men receive the rank of Eagle Scout, including three of his own sons. He was active in his church and could be found teaching classes and giving guidance to others. Dad had a love of the Savior and loved to study the Bible.
In his professional career dad had been on a subdivision crew, wild cow milker, herdsman, farmer, and truck driver before he finally settled into his passion as the “Fat Cat” of Dworshak Elementary School- Garfield. You knew you were someone special if you had ever heard him say, “Hey Odie!” He was beloved by the faculty, families, students, and staff. He took pride in his work and loved working with the kids. He loved the kids saying, “Hey Garfield!” This gave him passion and purpose.
Garth was preceded in death by his mother and father Kenneth and Melba Rasmussen Osterhout; his brother, Kenneth Osterhout and his beloved studded stallion Tanman; Brothers-in-law, Gary Waters, Richard Grimsman, and Tom Driesel; and a sister-in-law, Sherry Osterhout. He is survived in death by his soulmate Lynn Osterhout; and ex-wives Rowene Fairchild; and Christy Smith; siblings, LeNell Driesel, Linda Waters, Gale (Ray) Bronson, Colleen (John) Arnoux, Doreen (Dan) Louder, and Eldon Osterout; children, Robbie (Kristi) Osterhout, Kelli (Luis) Moralez, Brian Osterhout, Jeff (Shantelle) Osterhout, Heidi (Undrae) Holland, Josh (Kellsey) Osterhout and Katie (Anthony) Wilsey; 21 Grandchildren and three Great-Grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Dad you have influenced so many lives for the better and will be found in fond remembrances of all how knew and called you father, friend, brother, son, uncle, grandpa, great-grandpa, and Garfield. You can now say like Paul to Timothy, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me…” (2 Timothy 4:7) We miss you. You have not departed far from us but will live forever in our hearts and minds. Until we meet again...
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7p.m. Wednesday, August, 18, 2021, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 East 16th Street, in Burley.
