Ilene Gerreta Harrell passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Early Life & Education
Ilene was born on October 20, 1958, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Pete and Janice Keller Walstrom. She was raised in Idaho Falls and graduated from Skyline High School in 1977.
She continued her education at Vo-Tech in Idaho Falls, training to become a Health Physicist. After completing her studies, Ilene moved to Los Alamos, where she worked for several years. She later returned to Idaho and began employment with Argonne, eventually working at the north end of the site at TAN in the hot shop. She dedicated many years of service before retiring from the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in 2023.
Marriage & Family
On December 8, 1989, Ilene married her sweetheart, Brian Harrell, in Howe, Idaho. They made their home in Howe and were blessed with two children, Zac and Kaytln.
Ilene loved living in Howe, where she felt welcomed and deeply loved by the community. One of her greatest joys was driving over the point of the mountain into the Little Lost River Valley, returning home. She treasured farm life and especially enjoyed working alongside Brian—particularly running the baler, which Brian often joked might have been her favorite hobby, second only to spending time with her family.
After retiring in 2023, Ilene and Brian began traveling together, creating treasured memories and enjoying new adventures. She was a devoted Christian who loved her Savior deeply and lived her faith through quiet kindness and dedication to her family.
Those Who Survive Her
Ilene is survived by her loving husband, Brian Harrell; her children, Zac Harrell and Kaytln Harrell; her sisters Bonnie (Mark) Davis and Jeannie (Rodney) Fuger; sister-in-law Diane Walstrom; brother-in-law Mike Rhoads; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Janice Walstrom; her brother, Victor Walstrom; and her sister, Annette Walstrom Rhoads.
Services
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Little Lost River Bible Church,
1520 U.S. Highway 33, Howe, Idaho.
A viewing will be held on Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Anderson Family Funeral Home,
2555 N. Highway 93, Arco, Idaho, and for one hour prior to the service at the church.
Interment will follow at the Howe Cemetery.
The family invites friends and loved ones to gather at their home following the service and luncheon.
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