Lillian Irene Haun Carr

Lillian Irene Haun Carr, 97, of Mountain Home, died peacefully at home Wednesday May 19, 2021, two weeks before her 98th birthday. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 2 at 11 am at Faith Lutheran Church in Mountain Home, Idaho. Arrangements are under the care of Rost Funeral home, McMurtrey Chapel.

Lillian was born in Lincoln, Nebraska to Fredrick and Josephine Johns Haun, Volga Germans that immigrated from Russia. As an infant, her family moved to Scotts Bluff to work in the fields for local farmers. In 1940, the Hauns moved to the Caldwell area for better opportunities in employment as sharecroppers. That same year, Lillian graduated from Nyssa High School at the age of 16. Her family soon relocated to the Oregon side of Weiser to buy their own farm, the family’s life ambition. Her father and brothers all branched out and built their lives around the agriculture business. Lillian worked for the Washington County Tax Collector and then as an assistant to A.J. Rice, superintendent of schools.

In May 1946, she met and soon married John Carr who had just returned from WWII service. John worked for Home Lumber Company in Weiser for three years before being promoted to manager of Home Lumber Company in Mountain Home where they moved in October 1949. The Carrs later purchased and operated it as a family business ongoing for 73 years. While raising two children, Cynthia and Stephen, Lil working part-time at DeMeyer Drug Store and later as a receptionist for Dr. R. H. Borghalthaus. Lillian was active in her community as president of the Mountain Home PTA, treasurer of the school hot lunch program, guardian of Job’s Daughters, member of the U.S.O. Service Organization, Legion Post #26 Auxiliary with a 70-year pin and leader of Brownies and Girl Scouts. Lil loved card games but most of all, playing bridge with the “Tuesday ladies” for almost 70 years where she was known for serving delicious homemade desserts. She was playing bridge last year when COVID hit and continued playing rummy and solitaire two weeks before her death.

Lillian was a tip-top housekeeper and talented seamstress, making dresses, outfits, and costumes for every occasion. She loved growing a bountiful vegetable garden and colorful flower beds that were the envy of the neighborhood. Called the “hostess with the mostest,” she enjoyed cooking, entertaining and socializing in her spacious home where she lived for 59 years. She especially treasured the holiday gatherings noting Christmas and Thanksgivings with the Traudts, the Walters and the Benedicks. She always enjoyed the summer get togethers on the patio with the neighbors B.B.K.Y.S.

She carried the unique qualities of wit and humor with an always positive outlook. Her memory for recalling dates and special life events was remarkable. No one worked harder and complained less. She was fiercely loyal to her lively family attending reunions laden with delicious German dishes, dancing the polka and harmonizing to familiar songs and hymns. Aunt Lil had a special place in her heart for her numerous nieces and nephews. The family extends special thanks to Pastor Craig Kellerman for his friendship and ministerial guidance for the past several years. Lillian will be fondly and dearly missed.

She was proceeded in death by her husband John J. Carr, her mother and father Fredrick and Josephine Haun, brothers Robert, Herbert, Edward and Richard Haun and sister Marie Traudt.

Lillian is survived by a daughter Cynthia Jenkins of Boise and her daughters Jessica Jenkins (husband Joe Harrigan and great-granddaughter Lillian) of Denver, Colorado and Abigail Bommarito (husband Jeremy and great-grandson Giovanni) of Boise; son Stephen, wife Lisa, their daughters Jacey and Stevie of Mountain Home and her beloved sister Marlene Michael of Yuma, Arizona.

Memorial contributions can be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1190 North 6th East, Mountain Home, Id 83647 or to Legacy Park, Mountain Home Parks and Recreation Department, PO Box 10, Mountain Home, ID 83647, or to a favorite charity.