DeLoy Zeke Ward

On Sunday night, January 21, 2024, DeLoy Zeke Ward (86) of Rexburg, Idaho, passed away at his home with family by his side. DeLoy loved his family and enjoyed many family get-togethers and loved a good game of Five Crowns and giant UNO. DeLoy was born in Ririe, Idaho, on June 5, 1937, to Rose Irene Summers and Ezekiel (Zeke) Wilford Ward. He grew up in Rexburg and graduated from Madison High School. On February 14, 1958, he married his sweet young bride, Viola Jean Perry, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together they had seven children.

DeLoy and Viola faced many challenges including the loss of their son Duane in 1962. Through their hard work and perseverance, they raised six children to have fulfilling lives while building a successful farming operation in Madison and Bingham Counties. DeLoy started farming and raising cattle at a young age and continued as he got older. He owned cattle as both LZ Ranch and later formed Timber Creek Ranch. Eventually he got out of the cattle business and focused on farming. In 1972 DeLoy and his family were awarded FHA Farm Family of the Year. In 2020 he was chosen as the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce Farmer of the Year and also won numerous awards showing cattle in many areas.

DeLoy, with Viola by his side, bought land and tried many things to get by another year and made farming their life. He helped many young farmers and grandkids through the 4-H and FFA programs and supported his grandkids with their projects.

Anyone who knew DeLoy, knew he loved to talk. He could hold a conversation with any stranger and talk to them like they were old friends. DeLoy cared about people and appreciated the many friendships he had.

DeLoy was preceded in death by his wife Viola Ward, his parents Rose and Zeke Ward, his son Neal Ward, infant son Duane Ward and two infant great grandchildren. He is survived by daughter-in-law Shelly Ward (Blackfoot, ID), son Robert (Karen) Ward of Mountain Home, ID, daughter Eileen (Glenn) Bradbury of Perry, UT, daughter Ruby Ward (Logan, UT), daughter Susan Rose (Matt) Lindsey of Rigby, ID, and son Perry (Holly) Ward of Blackfoot, ID; and many more including 19 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. He was loved and will be greatly missed by his family.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 29th, at the Rexburg Stake Center (845 West 7th South, Rexburg, ID) at 11:00 a.m. The family will visit with friends on Sunday, January 28th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Eckersell Funeral Home (101 West Center Street, Rigby, ID) and prior to the services on Monday from 9:30 – 10:45 am at the Rexburg Stake Center. Burial will be in the Sugar City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.