Lewis “Jake” Rupe, 77, went home to be with the Lord on his first day of vacation, June 17, 2009, in Grants, N.M.

Jake was born Sept. 10, 1932 in Rutland. He graduated from Rutland H.S. in 1950. In March, 1952, he married the love of his life, Cherie Burns.

Jake and Cherie had four sons. In October, 1958, he moved his family to Phoenix, Ariz. Jake was employed by the W. J. Kroeger Co., and later retired from the City of Phoenix.

Jake enjoyed coaching his son’s baseball teams and Pop Warner football, bowling, fishing, hunting and NASCAR.

He is survived by his wife, Cherie; sons, Greg (Jackie) and David (Cindy), Richard (Ann) of Pomeroy, and sister, Mary Ann; six grandchildren: Tobi, Chester Bennington, Nevin, Randy, Megan, Jake and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jake was preceded in death by two sons, Steven and Randy, and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Rupe.

More than anything Jake was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and a friend to many. He had a wonderful sense of humor and will be sadly missed.

Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2009, at Best Funeral Chapel, 9380 W. Peoria Ave, Peoria, Ariz.,with visitation at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association or the American Heart Association.

Friends may sign a questbook online at Legacy.com. (Type in Rupe under last name and hit search.)