Zelma Kunz Woodward

Zelma Kunz Woodward, 97, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2023, in Farmington, Utah.  Her rich legacy of genuine love, selfless service and devotion to her family and to the gospel of Jesus Christ will forever bless and influence the lives of those who have known and loved her.

Zelma was born on February 20, 1926, to Julia Vilate Tueller Kunz and John Henry Kunz in the family home in Alton, Idaho.  Older sisters, Iola and Ruby, were excited to welcome a new sibling, but the whole family was very surprised when two tiny babies were born two months prematurely on Julia’s birthday.  Zelma and Thelma each weighed less than 3 pounds; miraculously both lived and enjoyed a wonderful childhood growing up on the family farm.  When Zelma was 13 years old, the family moved to Logan, Utah.  She graduated from Logan High School and then from Utah State University in Speech Pathology.  It was at USU that Zelma met and fell in love with a handsome young man, Paul Woodward, who had returned from a mission and service in World War II.  They were married in the Logan Temple on August 12, 1948, and moved to the family farm in Franklin, Idaho, in June, 1949. 

Over the next 20 years, 3 daughters and 8 sons were born to Zelma and Paul.  In addition, over the years dozens of relatives and friends lived with the family for various lengths of time and were treated like family.  Zelma’s life revolved around her family, church and community service, the work on the farm and supporting her husband in his weighty church and community responsibilities.  She became the ultimate multi-tasker.  She could balance a baby on her hip while stirring dinner together, composing a poem for the upcoming church or community activity, and directing her children in their tasks.  She was a full partner in building the family farm from a few hundred chickens to a major egg-production operation, Ritewood and Oakdell Egg Farms. 

Zelma was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings including as a Ward and Stake Relief Society leader, Primary and Sunday School teacher, and as a Temple Ordinance Worker.  She was the lesson leader for the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers in Franklin for over 30 years and a Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselor for 50 years.  She also worked for many years in genealogical extraction.  She served on the Franklin County Library Board for 27 years, including 18 years as chairman, and was instrumental in the building of the Larsen-Sant Library.  She became the unofficial historian and poet laureate for Franklin, writing countless poems and narratives for church and community programs, including the centennial history of Franklin.  She was the Franklin Citizen of the Year in 1998 and also had the fun of serving as the Grand Marshall for the Preston Rodeo parade in 2018.

Zelma is survived by her children: LuAnn (James) Bellessa; Kent (Krista); David (Pauline); Scott (Jill); Gary (Kristy); Dixie (James) Archibald; Lila (Cliff) Lillywhite; Mark (Kate); Bruce (Diane); Gene (Dorcas); Todd (Cindy); and foster son, Arnold Trujillo; 62 grandchildren and 106 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul, in 1991, her parents and sisters, 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  Her many years as a widow were softened by the kindness of the dear people of Franklin, her home for more than 70 years.  We thank them for their love and service.

We also thank the caregivers, residents and the Branch and Relief Society Presidencies of Covington Senior Living Center.  As difficult as it was for Zelma to be away from her home, that challenge was sweetened by the Christlike service they gave to our dear mother and to our entire family. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 5, at at 11 a.m. in the Franklin Stake Center, 106 East Main in Franklin, Idaho. There will be a viewing on Friday, August 4, 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home in Preston and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 at the church prior to the service.  Interment will take place in the Franklin Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com

The services will be streamed live and may be watched Saturday at 11 am (MST) by clicking on the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/vzDa05zKkTI?feature=share