David Gene Booth

David Gene Booth passed away peacefully on Aug. 1, 2026, at the Libby Care Center of Cascadia in Libby, Montana, at the age of 83. 

David was born on June 4, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was raised by his mother, Inez Delores Cottis and Leon William Haws. David spent most of his childhood in Salt Lake City before moving with his family to Missoula, Montana, following Leon’s retirement. 

While attending high school in Missoula, David met his first wife, Karen Lowry. After graduating from high school, they married and settled in Libby, Montana, where they built their home and raised their five children. David’s family grew throughout the years. 

After his marriage to Karen Lowry, he later married Josie Stone, and together they were blessed with a daughter. He later married Karen Homer. 

David was an active and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings throughout the years. He especially loved working with the youth. For more than 20 years, David taught early-morning Seminary, first in Libby, Montana, and later in Post Falls, Idaho. He taught with deep conviction and a sincere love for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His gospel.

Above all, David had a genuine love for his students and cared deeply about their lives and their testimonies. David worked for many years at St. Regis Paper Company, Champion International and Stimson Lumber Company in Libby until the mill permanently closed, leaving him without employment at the age of 53. 

David embraced the opportunity to begin an entirely new chapter in his life and moved to Provo, Utah, to pursue a career as a dental technician. He studied at Archibald Associates in conjunction with The Clinical Connection, founded by Dr. Gordon J. Christensen. During his training, David studied under John F. Archibald and developed the skills and expertise that would become the foundation of his new career. 

After becoming a licensed dental technician, David opened his own laboratory, Booth Crown and Bridge Labs. He took great pride in his work and became highly skilled and respected in his craft. David had a warm, social, and mischievous personality and he loved making people laugh. 

His Italian heritage was an important part of who he was, and his playful nature earned him a humorous reputation even as a child. His brother jokingly recalled that David was “The Godfather of the neighborhood,” a fitting description of the confident and mischievous little boy he was. 

His quick wit, infectious laugh and playful spirit brought joy to those around him and will be deeply missed. We are deeply grateful to the staff at Libby Care Center of Cascadia, where David spent the final eight months of his life. We extend our heartfelt thanks for the tender, compassionate and loving care they provided to David during his time there.

David was preceded in death by his parents and several of his siblings. 

He is survived by his children, Tammy (Ben) Gardner, Michelle Barney, David (Stephanie) Booth, Wendy Booth, Ryan (Robyn) Booth and Sheri Stone-Booth, as well as their families, including 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger siblings, Jeanette Miller and Leslie Haws, along with many extended family members and dear friends. 

A family viewing and graveside service were held Monday, Aug. 10, at English Funeral Chapel, followed by the graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls, Idaho.