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Lyle Devoy Woodbury

Aug. 11, 1935 - Jul. 5, 2021

Date of Service: Jul. 10, 2021

RAFT RIVER – Lyle Devoy Woodbury, 85, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2021, at his home in Raft River, Idaho, following a short illness.

Lyle was born August 11, 1935, at his home in View, Idaho, to Leland and Myrlene Woodbury. He was the fifth of nine children. He spent his childhood working with his father and brothers on their dry farm with the cattle operation.

He attended grade school in View and Burley, he graduated from Burley High School in 1953. That fall he attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

He married Carol Jeannette Durfee, September 8, 1954, in the Salt Lake Temple and attended college that fall at Utah State in Logan, Utah.

After his second year of college, he and his wife, Carol, moved to Carey, Idaho, where he farmed with a brother, Vernon Woodbury. In the spring of 1958, he and Carol moved to a farm in Raft River, Idaho, where they have resided for 60 years, pursuing farming and primarily, ranching.

Lyle was called to serve his country in September of 1958, and spent 18 months in Baumholder, Germany with the 26th Infantry, earning the rank of SGT (E5) before his discharge. He returned to Raft River to take up his ranching in the spring of 1961. In 1967, he fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a pilot and obtained his pilot license; he flew all over the western states for various reasons including managing his farms. That same spring, Carol and Lyle welcomed a brother and sister, Kenneth and Diane to their homes and their lives. Faith Marie Pretty Boy joined the family from the Indian Placement Program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the fall of 1967. Lyle and Carol over the years mentored at least two dozen boys and girls teaching the children life skills, farming, and values.

He loved nature and enjoyed hunting and fishing for salmon. He enjoyed working with well trained horses and dogs. He enjoyed being part of the Cassia County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse for several years. He also enjoyed hosting cookouts for his family and friends and became an expert in grilling salmon.

Lyle was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as High Councilman, Counselor in a bishopric, High Priest Group Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Membership Clerk. He enjoyed working with young boys as a Scout Master and mentor. Lyle and Carol also hosted two Japanese exchange students in the 1970s.

Lyle was active in the community serving on the Raft River Electric Board of Directors, ASCS Board, Flood Control Board, and as County Commissioner. He was an avid defender of the Constitution of the United States and served as Prescient Committeeman.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of 66 years; his daughters, Diane Richards of McCammon, Idaho, and Faith Marie Pretty Boy of Mandan, North Dakota; one sister, Sharol (Raymond) Searle of Burley, Idaho; three brothers, Stanley (Gwen) Woodbury of Burley, Idaho, Mervin Woodbury of Burley, Idaho, and Verl (Hilda) Woodbury of Provo, Utah; eight grandchildren; and a growing number of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Vernon, Roger, and Orin; and sister, Doris; his son, Kenneth; great-grandson, Braxton.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday July 10, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Raft River Church, located at 2551 East 300 South, Raft River, Idaho. Burial will follow at the View Cemetery, located at 700 E 600 S, of Burley, Idaho.

Friends and family will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, July 9, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 East 16th St., in Burley, and Saturday at the Raft River Church one hour preceding the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Condolences for Lyle Devoy Woodbury

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From Gene Thompson:

Along with Jay Cottle, who was the other pilot in my life, there was Lyle. Lyle was a wonderful example to the youth in the area and especially to my twin brother and I. We lived several miles away over on the Parr Brothers Ranch and as we drove everywhere as young men we would see his plane parked on the dirt road across from his place on Yale Road. Later on my brother Jerry would take a cross country trip to Wyoming with Lyle. Lyle referred to Jerry as his, Navigator from then on. That started a love for flying that grew into a desire to get pilot licenses which we did. It all began with Lyle. We will miss him dearly.

From NEDRA Sorenson:

Dear Carol, how sad I was to hear the news about Lyle’s passing. I so wish I was closer…

Keeping you and the family in my thoughts and prayers. Love you, dear Cousin.

From Susan Collins:

So sorry to hear of Uncle Lyle’s passing. I have many fond memories. He took me for my first airplane ride. He used to buzz the house when he’d come to visit and we would go pick him up after he landed. He was always so upbeat and kind. Sending love and hugs to you and your family Aunt Carol.

From Susan Collins (Woodbury):

Uncle Lyle was always so up beat and caring. He took me for my first airplane ride. He would buzz the house a couple of times when he came to visit so we could drive to the airport and pick him up. On occasion he would just land the plane on the dirt road above our house. I remember he was always there to support us all for every occasion. He will truly be missed. Hugs to Aunt Carol. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you today. Much love to all.

From Wiloni:

Some of the best hugs I've received have come from his big strong arms. I can feel them now around me. He was always so welcoming, happy and sincerely interested in me. Sorry I'm not able to be there in person. My heart goes out to you Carol. Sending prayers of peace and comfort.

From Stanley J Preston:

Dear Carol, I am so sorry to hear of Lyle's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I want you to know how grateful I am to have known you and Lyle. Steve and I look back with fond memories of the summers we lived with you and worked on your farm and ranch. We learned so much from you both. You and Lyle are two of the finest people I have ever known. Thank-you for your friendship and examples. Love, Stan

From Jana Darrington :

Sorry to hear this sad news. We always enjoyed our time visiting with Lyle and Carol. Once an acquaintance, always a friend. So sorry for your loss. Such a good, kind man.

From Hilda Woodbury:

Lyle was a wonderful friend and brother-in-law. Verl and I consider him as a grandfather to our children. He was always kind and loving to us all. I will miss him a lot.

From Emma Koyle Curtiss :

Carol, I am going to miss his big wonderful hugs! I love you both very much and so does the rest of the family!

From Jean and Garth Freymiller:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you upon Lyle's passing , Carol! He truly was a special and gracious man.

From Linda Hurst Yates:

My deepest sympathies. He was a gentle giant. I’m thankful for him, his example and infectious smile.

From Gloriategan@g.com Tegan:

Time..short and yet long..leaving good memories with good friends. We love you both and will miss Lyle and we send our deep feelings and love to you Carol.

From Tami Clark:

Carol, & family, We were so sorry to hear about Lyle. He was a very kind man. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Matt & Tami Clark (Interstate Repair)

From Nola Asher:

A wonderful man has entered into a new realm of life. Carol you and Lyle were the best friends a person could ask for. I know he has been called home to do a great work that is needed in these troubling times. May you feel the spirit of peace and please know how much I treasured our times together. You will always have a place in my heart.

From Brian & Debra Barlow. :

I have so many wonderful memories at Lyle and Carol’s home. They were dear friends of my parents and I loved to be around them any chance I had. It was so fun when they came into the NAPA store and Brian and I got to visit them. He is a sweet soul that will be missed terribly.

From Elder Mike and Sister Sherry Spencer:

Carol, so sorry to hear of Lyle's passing. We have good memories of you and Lyle. We'll keep you in our prayers.

From Hilda Woodbury:

Lyle was a wonderful friend and brother-in-law. Verl and I consider him as a grandfather to our children. He was always kind and loving to us all. I will miss him a lot.

From Ron and Susan Holtman:

Lyle was such a very pleasant friendly person with a great smile, whenever I was around him. Lyle and Roger were very friendly and very good people. Carol our thoughts are with you and your family and we know Lyle is very happy now.

From Lori Hill Wood:

Some of my favorite childhood memories include Lyle and Carol coming to visit on Sunday evenings. He always has a warm smile for me a genuine interest.

From Jack Hill:

Lyle was a dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol and the family. May the Lord assuage your grief and leave you the blessed memories.

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