Linda Clayville

Linda Clayville of Declo, Idaho embarked on a final cruise into the sunset on December 24, 2021. Daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, soon-to-be great grandmother, businesswoman, and world traveler; Linda passionately served in many roles throughout her life.

Linda grew up in Minidoka where her parents, Wilbur and Utahna (Toni) Butler homesteaded. She was the darling little sister to brothers, Ronald and Randy. Linda graduated from Minico High School, where she was active in speech and debate, Future Homemakers of America, National Forensics League, Future Nurses Club, and 4-H. She participated in numerous speech contests and debate tournaments, winning high honors and sweepstake awards within her team.

During Linda’s senior year of high school, she wrote a weekly column for the local newspaper titled, “Minico’s Highlights.” She was a member of the Rupert Bethel, International Order of Job’s Daughters. When her daughters were active in Job’s Daughters, Linda and her husband, Chris, served as Guardian and Associate Guardian of the Burley Bethel.

4-H held a special place in Linda’s heart. Her parents were active 4-H leaders, so naturally, she took many projects each year, including citizenship, leadership, Builders Club, cooking, beef, goat, and livestock judging. High points of Linda’s teen years were attending State and National 4-H Congress and being elected Miss 4-H of Minidoka County in 1965.

Chris claims to have fallen in love at first sight, knowing instantly that she was the woman for him. They had a whirlwind courtship that lasted 55 years. Before her marriage to Chris on New Year’s Eve, Linda attended one semester at the University of Idaho.

Linda and Chris raised three daughters, Debra (Tom) Vaughan, Tawnya (Eugene) Tracy, and Brandi (David) Perry.  Their other “baby,” Clayville Insulation, has kept the Magic Valley Snug as a Bug in a Rug for over 50 years. Linda and Chris opened cellulose insulation manufacturing plants in Burley, Anchorage, and Seattle. Serving as consultants to others, they strove for the success of the small, “mom-and-pop” cellulose insulation business. One of Linda’s proudest accomplishments within the past few years was Clayville Insulation being named as one of the “Top 25 Insulation Contractors” in the country by Walls & Ceilings magazine.

Linda was heavily involved in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) for over 40 years. She served as the C-16 Secretary and created a quarterly newsletter for many years. She was also a member of the Cellulose Insulation Manufacturing Association (CIMA). Linda served as Head Election Judge for the Declo Precinct for many years.  She also enjoyed planning and attending class reunions.

Linda was passionate about the success of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. She could always be found taking pictures and cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, school activities, livestock shows, anything 4-H, and more! She gave her full support in everything that her family members set their mind to. Linda enjoyed spoiling her eight grandchildren and first great grandchild: Jeremy (Jeanette), Baylee, Lynnsey, Josh, Curtis, Alex, Natalie, and Magnolia. She also looked forward to spoiling her second great grandchild that is on the way.

Along with supporting her family, a few of Linda’s favorite things were photography, collecting Barbies, anything hot pink, shopping, and her dog, Bandit. And oh, how she loved to travel! She and Chris traveled by car, plane, and ship to many states and countries. In fact, her favorite place was anywhere that the Princess Cruiseline could take her.

Linda was met in heaven by her parents, Wilbur Butler and Toni Hill; stepfather, Ralph Hill; brother, Randy Butler; sister, Shirley Butler; grandson, Curtis Perry; dogs, Gizmo, Huckleberry, and Barney; and many other family and friends.

A viewing will be held 3:00-5:00 PM on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Hansen Mortuary in Rupert. A celebration of life will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the Clayville residence in Declo.

The following is Linda’s guide to life:

Be true to yourself, honest and generous; develop a passion for something and practice it; always do the “right” thing no matter what; always be considerate, optimistic and smile a lot; be the best that you can be; be tactful, yet firm; study and consider both sides of any subject before making a decision; show compassion and be a true sincere listener and best friend; don’t be afraid of confrontation…solve the problem before it gets blown out of proportion (you may not have started it but you CAN end it); communication is KEY; take advantage of opportunities and strive to reach your potential; after all, life is uncertain…eat dessert first!

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