Wray L. Benedict

On August 25, 2017, our disciplined yet loving dad, respected son, encouraging brother and uncle, funny grandpa and above all, loving and caring husband, Wray L. Benedict, took the call to ride the happy, dusty trails with God's Cowboys.

Wray was born on February 11, 1929, in Naponee, Nebraska, the youngest of (10) siblings. After the great flood of the Republican River in 1935, the family made their way out west, settling in the Twin Falls area. This is where this rough, 14-15 year old cowboy, honed his natural gift of working and training horses and perfecting his Cowboy riding skills. He was the youngest horse trainer in the South Central Idaho region at that time. He took his skills to the Idaho-Nevada range, roping and riding with the best of 'em, until he was drafted into the Army in 1950. He served in the Army as an Artillery Sergeant, stationed in Germany. His Honorable discharge in 1952, brought him back to his cowboy life in Twin Falls. It was here he roped in the woman of his dreams and for 64 years, loved her with all his heart. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Boise and began raising their family.

His ingenuity and resourcefulness was always on display. He ventured into auto mechanics and he tried his hand at race car driving from the early to mid 60's at Meridian Speedway. Though he only drove for a short time, he contributed his knowledge and skill to fellow pit crews and drivers through the late 1990's.

He worked at Sears for 16 years as a service repairman and after he retired from there, he opened G & W Small Engine shop with his youngest son Earl. They served some of Boise's more prominent business leaders, who respected and appreciated his truthfulness, good moral and strong work ethic.

He passed on to his children the values of respect, integrity, responsibility, hard work and honesty. In turn we have instilled these traits into our children and grandchildren. His legacy will live on for years.

We all pray that our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST will deliver your precious soul into eternal peace and joy.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Diane, Great grandchildren, Kinsley, Westly and Paisley. He is survived by his loving wife Mona, daughter Bonnie(Marco), sons Dwayne, Barry(Cari) and Earl(Dee). Two sisters, Velma and Hazel, and a Huge group of the most Beautiful and blessed grandchildren and great children ever.(and I mean HUGE).

Open casket viewing will be Thursday, August 31, 2017, 6:00 PM, at Bella Vida, 9661 W. Chinden Blvd, Garden City, Idaho.

Funeral services will be at The Veterans Cemetery at Dry Creek, Friday, September 1 at 2:00 PM sharp. Celebration of his life will be at Bella Vida Funeral Home.