Billy Lee Gutterridge
May 28, 1935 – March 4, 2025
Billy Lee Gutterridge, was born on May 28, 1935, in Ontario, Oregon, to Raymond Roy Gutterridge and Lula Elizabeth Wells Gutterridge, and passed away peacefully in Boise, Idaho, on March 4, 2025. He was a private, kind, and sweet man who had a gentle way about him and he will be missed.
Billy attended Vale High School in Vale, Oregon and in 1953, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served with honor as an Airman First Class. He cherished his time in the service, especially his experiences in Germany where he served as the lead ammunitions specialist. Billy did more than just handle the ammunition; he was also a sharp shooter and participated in competitions after returning to civilian life. Billy was honorably discharged on May 6, 1957.
After his military service, Billy returned to his roots, to work alongside his parents on the family farm in Vale. The family moved to New Plymouth, Idaho in 1962 and Billy continued his commitment to his family and the farm. During this same period Billy also worked as a boiler technician at the Payette and Caldwell Creameries. He later secured a position with the Malheur County Road District, a role he dedicated most of his working career to with unwavering commitment.
On January 28, 1988, Billy married Ellen Louise Wood. The couple shared a life in New Plymouth until the passing of Billy’s mother in 1992, which prompted their move back to the family farm outside of New Plymouth to assist his father. After Ellen fell ill, Billy relocated to Ontario to live with his sister, Darlene Joan Gutterridge Keele. In his last few years, he resided at Brookdale Retirement Community in Ontario, where he formed deep bonds with the staff, who became like family to him.
Though Billy was not a church-going man, he was deeply religious and read the Bible frequently. He lived its lessons every day in his words and actions. He was known for his sweet and kind nature, never uttering a harsh word about anyone. He found joy in hunting, fishing, riding horses, and watching sports on TV.
Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Lula; his wife, Ellen; his sister, Darlene; and his niece, Kimberly Ann Keele. He is survived by his sister, Geraldine Judy Gutterridge Baker of Boise; his niece, Angela Stuart Buffalin; his nephew, Scott Stuart; his niece, Shelley Keele; and several grandnieces and grandnephews.
The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Brookdale Retirement Community and Riverview Rehabilitation for their compassionate care and support.
There aren’t many people in the world like Billy. His legacy of kindness, love for family, and dedication to his work and passions will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, March 28, 2025, at Riverside Cemetery, 1969 N. River Rd. in Payette.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.