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Rodger Boyd Woodward

Nov. 21, 1940 - Jan. 2, 2022

Date of Service: Jan. 7, 2022

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PAUL – Rodger Boyd Woodward, loving husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, fed the horses that he loved for the last time Sunday evening, January 2, 2022. The Woodward family’s annual New Year’s Eve gathering was in the books and in our memories.

Rodger was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 21, 1940, in Preston Idaho. He was the first of eight children born to Boyd Wright and Margaret Bodily Woodward. Rodger was raised in Franklin County, Idaho, on a family egg farm with his Grandpa Cecil, his family, and aunts, uncles, and cousins. Farming was always part of who he was. He loved the land and often sang the song “Don’t Fence Me In” as if it was written for him.

He attended schools in Franklin and graduated from Franklin High School in 1958. He survived polio when he was 13 years old and went on to play football and other sports, as well as participating in the marching band in high school. His marching band career culminated as the drum major his senior year. He also participated in the marching band in college.

From 1960-1962, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North Central States which included North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and part of Canada. Following his mission, he attended and graduated from Utah State University in Logan, Utah, with a bachelor’s degree in dairy science and genetics. While attending USU, he met his sweetheart and eternal companion, Ruth Alene Lawrence. They were married in the Logan Utah Temple on September 12, 1966. To this union they created an incredible family of five boys and three girls, Todd, RoLynne, Trent, Rochelle, Jalene, Tyson, Darren, and Eric.

He and his family made their home and dairy farm north of Paul, Idaho. They worked hard together and played hard together. Family was always important to him and he loved playing card games late into the night only to get up early and start the milking. His family continued to grow as his children married and had children of their own. Nothing brought a smile to his face quicker than making memories with his family. He and Ruth were avid USU football fans and enjoyed many games with their kids and grandkids. They also enjoyed many rodeos together, and the grandchildren’s sporting and musical events. In addition to the dairy, he worked 20 years at Stars Ferry Building Supply where he had many wonderful relationships with co-workers and customers who became friends.

Rodger served faithfully for the Church over the years and was very proud to be able to serve many wonderful people in the Emerson area. He always did his “home teaching” on the first Wednesday of the month to give him the opportunity to be there for the people he served the rest of the month.

Rodger is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; eight children, Todd Woodward, RoLynne (Troy) Hendricks, Trent (Kristen) Woodward, Rochelle (Lee) Barfuss, Jalene (Tadd) Richman, Tyson (Natalie) Woodward, Darren Woodward, and Eric (Jessica) Woodward; 32 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and seven siblings. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Coulter; nephew, Kurt; his parents; Ruth’s parents; and three of Ruth’s siblings.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, January 6, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 7, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 127 S. 950 W., of Paul, where a viewing will be held from 1 until 1:45 p.m.

A graveside will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, January 10, at Logan City Cemetery, 1000 N. 1200 E., Logan, Utah.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/TJgFtTEDtbw.

Condolences for Rodger Boyd Woodward

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Layne Koyle:

Sorry to hear of your loss Darren, Eric, and Jessica! Best of wishes in carrying on his legacy!

From Alice Haworth Robinson:

So sorry to hear of Rodgers passing.. I went to grade school and high school with Rodger.. One of the many days that I rode my horse, I went up to Dixie Bench..Rodger was on his horse and we decided to ride our horses up to cherryville, What a time we had, always a gentleman, always had a smile and a story to tell. HE had to be back home before 5 pm. to do the chores..He loved those cows...

From Jeff Harper:

To the best executive secretary a bishop could have and a dear friend. We will all miss him. We love the Woodward family.

From LaurelLee Nay:

My deepest sympathy and love to me dear friend Ruth and her family. Rodger was friendly, kind and gentle in all my associations with him. From church, our son’s friendship or Stars Ferry. He was great. My prayers are with you.

From Norda Lee Bodily Merrill:

Rodger is very pleased with family today. I am his oldest cousin and we share traits that can be traced back to our beloved ancestors and their faith in Christ. I am deeply moved by your words of honor today, and so grateful to be part of a family that I do not even know personally, but I love you and sorrow with you over your loss. I, too, have suffered loss and I remind myself often "I shouted for joy at this opportunity." He will dry all our tears and make everything right. Thank you for sharing your love, your admiration, your committment to make families forever. Norda Lee Bodily Merrill

From Carole and Monte Dayley :

We so sorry Ruth. We have always thought so much of you and Rodger. Such great examples of strength, faith and love.

From Martin Barclay:

Sorry for your loss Ruth you have a great family Roger was a great man

From Samantha Watts :

I am so sorry to hear that Roger has passed. He was a great example of what a husband and father should be. He was a great man. Prayers for your sweet family.

From Sara McMickens Vance:

I have The fondest memories as a young college girl going to Rolynne’s home and spending weekends on the dairy farm. Mr. Rodger always made me feel so welcomed and let me “help” with the chores. What a remarkable life and legacy!

From Pam Teeter:

I wish to leave my condolences with the Woodward family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

From Norell Johnson:

Rochelle and family - I am so sorry for your profound loss. I know how hard it is to lose a father, confidant, and friend. May the peace of the Savior wrap you in warmth and comfort as you cling to the knowledge that this is not the end of things - you will see your loved one again.

From Teresa Edmondson Lewis:

This is hard.Ruth,I just talked to you at Deseret Book last week and did not think anything would happen like this So sad for your loss.Thank you for listening to me and being a good example.

From Steve McClellan :

Sorry for your loss. He was a great man.

From LaurelLee Nay:

From Susie Neibaur :

I’m so very sorry Ruth. Prayers for you and your family.

From Helen Jo Bodily Smith:

Sorry to hear about Roger's death.we are cousins haven't seen him for a long while.

From Troy Hendricks :

My first memory of Rodger was when I asked him if I could marry his daughter RoLynne. He is kind, but I definitely knew where he stood. He and Ruth raised an amazing wife and mother,, which I'm eternally grateful. We share a great bond with horses, and I will miss our many conversations and calling him Pres.
Ride on Dad, Ride on!!

From Tony Morley:

Got to know Roger at Stars Ferry which became a friendship I cherished. He had a great sense of humor and we were always kidding with each other. This world won't be the same without Roger in it. Will miss him!

From Mont and Nicole Flygare:

We are so sorry to hear of Rodgers passing. Sending many prayers to all of the family.

From Laurie Littledike:

So sad to hear of Rodger's passing. It is hard to take in. My condolences to Ruth and the family. I will miss his smile and his humor. Go, Aggies!

From Denny and Jan Davis:

Ruth and family,
I loved Rodger dearly. My association with him was through Star's Ferry. His manor of kindness was an inspiration to my heart and to my soul. Thank you, Rodger. We will see you again!
Denny and Jan Davis

From Ruth lynne Bodily Moser:

So sorry to hear about Rodger he is my cousin have not seen him for years. Time and old ago stopped our get to gathers. So sorry Ruth

From Mary Frances Cozakos:

My deepest sympathy, Ruth, Darren, Eric and Rochelle,
I have such great memories of Rodger as a parent helper in Kindergarten. Always enjoying the kids.
May his memory be eternal!

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