Woodrow Ernest Williams

Woodrow Ernest Williams 94, passed away peacefully on December 9th, 2014, in Burley, Idaho. Woody was born on June 5th 1920 in his grandfather’s house in Pleasant View, Utah. He was the sixth child of 11 children, born to Pearl Ada Bramwell and George Williams. He married Claire Wilson, October 1st 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. Woody and Claire had 4 children: Robert Laine Williams (Maren Madsen), Jerry Ernest Williams, Lou Ann (Randy) Brady, Ileen Kay (David) Coats. Woody served in the US Army and was inducted before the outbreak of World War II and served for the full duration of that war. He served in the Middle East, North Africa, and France. After his return from the war and marriage to Claire, he was working at the Navy supply depot at Hill Air Force Base, when a flyer came in the mail advertising applications for veterans to draw a homestead in Rupert, Idaho. Woody applied but never dreamed he would get a farm. To their surprise, his name was drawn. He moved the family including 4 children under 7 years old, to make the desert bloom with potatoes, hay, and wheat. He also had the required small herd of dairy cows at the beginning. The original farm was the NE corner of 900 North 400 East, Rupert. He farmed for over 30 years. Woodrow was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints with various callings and positions and he and and Claire served as Guides in the Visitors Center on Temple square for 7 years. He was a tireless temple worker for years. His wife, Claire passed away in 1994 and he married Beverly Smith in 1996. Their enjoyed 15 years together on the corner of 1900 Overland Avenue in Burley, Idaho. Community residents always commented on his beautiful flower beds. They have lived the past 2 years in different assist living homes. Beverly passed away December 3rd 2014, just 6 days before him. He is survived by his 4 children and their spouses and 24 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be Saturday December 13th at the Burley 7th Ward (behind the Dairy Queen) at 2:30 p.m., and a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Rupert Cemetery. Bishop Brent Winn will officiate.

Woodrow Ernest Williams

June 5, 1920 - December 9, 2014