It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Gwen Marie Searle of Burley, ID — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Behind every name is a life, and behind every life are the people who loved it.
Gwen held deeply to the Latter-day Saints faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Faith is the language some lives are written in. Gwen's was one.
Gwen Marie Searle BURLEY – Gwen Marie Searle passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Parke View Rehabilitation & Care Center in Burley, Idaho, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. Gwen was born October 4, 1937, in Declo, Idaho, the youngest of 11 children born to Carson Gilbert Kidd and Nellie Louisa Florence Kidd. Her childhood was defined by the rhythms of family life and the outdoors. She spent countless hours in her mother's sprawling garden – tending to the raspberry patch and pulling weeds – developing a love for canning and gardening that she would eventually instill in her own children. On July 8, 1954, Gwen married the love of her life, Eldon Searle, in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple. They settled in the View area of Cassia County, where they built their home and raised their five children. Gwen's primary focus was always her home and family. Once her children were raised, she shared her talents with the community, first working at Hall's Farm and Home Supply (Hall's True Value) during the Christmas seasons and later beginning a long-term career with the Burley Irrigation District, where she worked until her retirement. A lifelong, faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gwen served with dedication in many capacities, including the Oakley Stake Primary and the View Ward Relief Society presidency. In their retirement years, Gwen and Eldon enjoyed traveling together, most notably visiting various Church history sites in the East. One of her favorite memories, however, was a humorous and cherished trip to Hawaii with her sister. Gwen was a gifted craftswoman who spent her spare time embroidering and crocheting beautiful baby blankets for her many grandchildren. Her garden remained a place of joy throughout her life. She is survived by her husband, Eldon Searle; five children, Brent (Tina) Searle, Brenda (Dennis) Toland, Tara (Kem) Peterson, Kerry (Roxann) Searle, and Brian (Malisa) Searle. Her legacy continues through her 31 grandchildren, 87 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by a sister-in-law, Dorothy Kidd; and one brother-in-law, Fred Hawker. Gwen was preceded in death by her parents; all ten of her siblings, Lydia Woodbury, Anna Kidd, Rema Combs, Ruth Matthews, June McLean, Nila Schrenk, R Jay Kidd, Merla Stone, Bonnie Richins, and Joan Hawker; two grandsons, Spencer Nielson and Bret Peterson; and one great-granddaughter, Gracyn Searle. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 15, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - View 2nd Ward, located at 490 E. 550 S., of Burley, with Bishop Clint Bronson officiating. Burial will follow at View Cemetery. Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday, preceding the funeral, at the church. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Parke View Rehabilitation & Care Center for the tender care provided to Gwen during her stay. They also wish to thank Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home for their professional guidance and personal care in fulfilling Gwen's final wishes. A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/aH0uPxG9QLQ.
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