Willard Ray McLaws

BURLEY – Willard Ray McLaws, 76, of Burley, returned to the arms of his loving wife, Franci Hathaway McLaws, on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, after a long illness; he put up a good fight.

He was born Feb. 15, 1939, in Burley, Idaho, the last of 12 children born to Frank and Dora Alice Kidd McLaws. He graduated from Burley High School, and served an LDS mission to the Eastern States Mission. After his return, he married the girl next door, and the love of his life, on May 23, 1970, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They had no children.

Willard had a wonderful sense of humor and a ready smile for everyone. No matter what life handed him, he faced it with dignity and gentle kindness. He loved his family, the gospel, being around people, collecting things, temple work, traveling, photography, and web-browsing. He worked as an accountant for several years prior to managing motels with his wife. He served in many callings in the church including being in the bishopric in the Burley 3rd Ward.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved wife, Franci. Ten of his siblings have also preceded him to heaven including brothers, Max McLaws, Afton McLaws, Grant Lee McLaws, Wayne McLaws, Lenard McLaws, George McLaws, Earl Jay McLaws, and Fred McLaws; and sisters, Maisie McLaws Cash, and Marva McLaws.

Willard is survived by his sister, Fern Sleight; and sisters-in-law, Bessie McLaws and Marj McLaws.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the Burley LDS 3rd and 7th Ward Church, 2200 Oakley Ave., in Burley, where friends may call from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Officiating will be Bishop Brent Winn. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Arrangement have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.