Mary "Speelman" C. Rule

Our dear Mother, Mary Christine Speelman Rule, 89, Middleton, went to be with our Lord on July 1, 2012. She was born on December 15, 1922, in Baker City, OR, to Luther Delbert and Vera Grace Bentley Speelman. The Speelmans were one of Oregon’s original Baker County Pioneer families. She married Don Rule in Payette, ID, on August 9, 1941, after which they moved many times in pursuit of their livelihood. While living in Pasco, WA, she gave birth to the first of their eight children, Margaret. Then David came while they were living and working in Ontario, OR. After having lived a short time in the first new home Don built for her, they moved to unsettled land in the Black Canyon area between Caldwell & Emmett, where they worked to clear sagebrush and farmed their 160 acres. Then came John, who was born while they were living in Middleton, as their cinderblock garage home-to-be was being built on the new land. After moving to Black Canyon, the next three boys, Daniel, Steven and Michael, were born. In 1957 they moved from Black Canyon to eventually settle in the Middleton area, where she gave birth to Timothy and MaryAnne. Mary and Don spent the rest of their years together near Middleton, where they founded Rule Steel Fabrication on Middleton Road. Don passed away in 1988 after 47 years of marriage. Her life was devoted to the upbringing of their eight children, providing the strength of her pioneer spirit, love of God and each other, a keen sense of humor and everyday care and hard work from dawn to dusk required to raise such a family. She always lamented that she never had a real job, which let her children know that, to her, we weren’t just a job, but her joy and purpose in life. Through the years, as she had time, she enjoyed reading, oil painting, travel, working crossword puzzles, and spending time with all the children and grandchildren. Christmas was always a special time with her. Mary’s grandchildren will always remember the gingerbread man that was always running away on Christmas Eve, only to be found and eaten with joy and laughter! Mary leaves behind a growing legacy of children and grandchildren: Margaret (Nelson) Creech, David (Judy) Rule, John (Maggie) Rule, Dan (Marjie) Rule, Steve (Laniece) Rule, Mike (Diane) Rule, Tim (Renee) Rule, and MaryAnne (Mark) Streeter; 23 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Angeline Speelman Folden, brothers: James, Richard, and Thomas Speelman, sister-in-law, Dorothy Holton, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don, sisters: Mildred Smith, Betty deBoer and brothers: Bobby, Howard and Dale Speelman. Mary was adored by all her family members and friends. They consider her one of the most beautiful, gracious people (inwardly and outwardly) they have personally known. She was to them and many others a living example of loyalty, unselfishness, kindness and love. We love and respect our mother more than words would ever convey and are so thankful to have had her for our mother. We will miss you terribly, Mom. Mary’s viewing will be held on Friday, July 6, 2012 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. Her Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2012, at 10:00 AM at Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. Interment will follow at Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell. Condolences may be given at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com Service Information