Emory Ellsworth "Ray" Troxell

Emory Ellsworth “Ray” Troxell Jr., 92, son of Emory Ellsworth “Al” Troxell Sr. and Luzelle (Mikels) Troxell passed away peacefully on December 12 in Eagle, Idaho, at the Edgewood Assisted Living facility. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Troxell.

Ray was born in 1933 in Indianapolis, Indiana, and moved with his family to San Francisco as a young boy. He grew up exploring the city with a close-knit group of friends from many backgrounds, forming friendships that helped shape his lifelong openness and view of the world. He attended Balboa High School, where he distinguished himself as a talented Golden Gloves boxer—an early sign of the competitive spirit he carried throughout his life. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War to do his part and was stationed in Germany.

Ray spent his working career in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he worked as an accountant and manager at U.S. Steel and later for many years at Klöckner Moeller. He took pride in his work and, more importantly, in the relationships he formed, maintaining lifelong friendships with colleagues who respected his integrity, humor, and steady presence.

After retiring, Ray and Diane moved to Boise, Idaho, where he embraced a hands-on and service-filled retirement. He was an avid woodworker and skilled handyman, always working on projects around town and generously volunteering his time and talents at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. In his later years, Ray quietly devoted himself to helping others, delivering blankets, food, and clothing to people in need throughout the Boise area—often paying for the items himself and never seeking recognition.

Ray had an amazing sense of humor that naturally drew people to him. He was very much of the “John Wayne” generation—never one for excessive hugging or outward displays of affection—but those around him always knew they were cared for and valued. He was an excellent athlete, deeply competitive, and loved games of all kinds, especially when he won.

Ray was part of a large and loving blended family. He is survived by his sisters, Rose Torian and Sheila Radford; his children David Wettstein (Belinda), Trisha Backers, Margaret Bond (William), Linda Troxell-Hobbie, Edward Troxell, Katheryn Wettstein (Jeffrey Shankles), Dave Troxell (Catherine), and Gary Wettstein; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ray will be remembered for his generosity, dry wit, strong sense of fairness, and the many understated ways he showed love. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and service that touched far more lives than he ever realized.

In lieu of flowers please make a gift to the St Stephen’s/St Mark’s Food Bank.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.