Dellis DeWayne Winward

Dellis DeWayne Winward, 85, passed away Feb 2, 2026 in Burley Idaho.

DeWayne was born June 28, 1940 in Burley to Charles Dellis Winward and Mary Ellen Gibson.

DeWayne was living at Park View Care Center in Burley for the last two years. For the past five years he bravely battled dementia. He was our hero, who was strong until the end. Prior to living at Park View, he lived with his loving wife Karen in their cute little house in Heyburn for over 50 years and raised his daughters.

Dad lived a full and rich life with kindness, generosity and love. Dad knew no stranger and loved to make friends with anyone he met.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dellis and Mary Ellen, older brother Richard, sister Glenda Rae, brother in law Richard, sisters Ella, Elva, Naomi, and Mary Ruth, his nephew Richard, nephew Michael Ernest, Joseph Ernest, great nephew Mark and one great grandson Matthew Carter Self.

DeWayne is survived by his loving and supportive wife Karen, his two daughters Melody Lynn (Tony Jeppesen), Lori Ann (Roy Shope), his sister VJ Naegle(Tony), grandkids Ashley Dawn (Adam Self), Brittany Lynn Jeppesen (Layne Andrews), Joshua Neal Jeppesen, Amber Ann Marrs (Josh Yarbrough), Mathew Todd Marrs(Angela Woodward), great grandsons, Jordan Self, Jonathan Self, David Self, Ethan Self, Jessica Olomon, Sky Shope. Sam Woodward. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews.

He would tell us stories of his life as a young boy and how much he loved his parents and his brother and sisters. He would tell us some pretty funny stories of growing up with his only brother, who was 5 years older than dad and all the mischief and fun that go along with that.

DeWayne attended school, K-12 in Burley and was a proud Burley Bobcat.

Dad met our mom, Karen Ennis, the love of his life while cruising Main in his Chevy Impala. He loved and adored her so dearly.

Dad served in the Army from 1963 to 1965 and had many memories and adventures.

Dad worked a few different kinds of jobs throughout his working career starting at a young age helping in the family orchards and gardens. Dad worked for Kraft Cheese factory in Rupert for a few years. Dad then began working for the LDS church as a custodian in 1975 until retiring in December of 2002 after 27 years.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in which he had a strong testimony of the Gospel and was a very strong and faithful example to his children as well as his grandchildren. He strived to live the Gospel his whole life. He loves his Heavenly Father and his Savior. He served in many callings with the church over his lifetime. He taught us by example the importance of the Gospel.

Dad had many hobbies he enjoyed and shared with his family. He loved the beauty of the outdoors and all that came with it. He loved to hunt and fish. He loved the Burley Bobcat sports and going to basketball, football and baseball games to support the youth. He went to many games over the years. If you knew our dad, you knew he was a die hard BYU fan. He recorded every game on video. He also loved doing jigsaw puzzles, playing board games, and cards. He loved spending time with his family.

He raised us to know what was right. He taught us the importance of honesty, as well as a good work ethic.

Our family wants to express our deepest heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Graham for all the years of taking care of our parents, and especially DeWayne. Dad loved the jokes you would share during his visits. We also owe a deep and heartfelt love and gratitude to the entire staff at Park View Care and Rehabilitation. Thank you SO MUCH for loving dad like your own. It was always so cute how you talked to him and would loving tease him. That took a lot of burden off us as a family to know he was always in the best care. We couldn’t have taken care of him and are incredibly thankful that we had you to help him.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Emerald Ward chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in Heyburn. Viewing will be held an hour prior to services at the church. Services will conclude with burial in the Minidoka Acequia Rupert Cemetery under the direction of Hansen Mortuary.