On June 15, 2023, Royce Elbert Reiley of Tetonia passed away on the family farm at the age of 87.

Royce was born on January 27, 1936, in Rexburg, Idaho; the first child born to John and Carmen Reiley. Royce grew up in the town of Felt, and later moved with his family to Badger Creek. His youth was spent in the outdoors, exploring the creek-bottom and working on the family farm. He had the privilege of growing up around grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, which he would later call a tremendous influence and blessing in his life.

Royce attended his elementary years in Felt and later attended Teton High School and graduated in 1953. After graduating, he enrolled at Ricks College. Royce often claimed one of the biggest miracles of his life was that he was able to drive to the big city of Rexburg and register for his college classes before his freshman year. He attended Ricks College for three and a half years and then transferred to BYU for his last semester when Ricks College switched to a two-year school, graduating with a bachelor's degree in accounting.

In high school, Royce met and quickly fell in love with Laura Hogan. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on December 14, 1956. They enjoyed more than 66 years together as husband and wife. Their first child, Steven, was born in 1958 and seven years later they welcomed their second child, Jeffrey.

Royce moved back to the valley after taking a teaching position in 1956 and was employed with the Teton County School District for 40 years. His various roles included middle school teacher, elementary school principal, high school teacher, and high school counselor. He was instrumental in helping students get over the finish line, whether that was graduating high school, going to college, or earning a scholarship. Early in his career, Royce coached various sports and often talked about these times as some of his favorite. He was a great supporter of Teton athletics and in 1995, was awarded a certificate from District 6 recognizing his efforts and contributions to the athletic programs. Even in his later years, Royce still kept up with Teton High School athletics.

When Royce was 12 years old, he listened to the radio as the Cleveland Indians won the World Series. This event sparked a lifelong fandom of Cleveland sports teams. He was a loyal fan that stuck with his teams, even during long periods of losing. He passed this passion down to his children and grandchildren and in 2016, after waiting for 52 years, he watched the Cleveland Cavaliers win the NBA championship on Father's Day. During his later life, he rarely missed a game.

For most of his life, Royce raised cows on the farm. He enjoyed calving each spring and moving the herd out to Badger Creek each summer. One of his favorite pastimes was watching the young calves buck and play in the feed yard. Even at the age of 87, he was still heavily involved with his cows and doing what he loved.

Royce is survived by his wife Laura, his two brothers Robert and Brent, his two sons Steven and Jeffrey (Marilyn), his three grandsons Jaxon (Alexandra), Austin (Ashlee), and Carson, and one great-granddaughter Skylar. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Carmen, and his sister, Jerelyn Hill.

Funeral services will be held at the Tetonia chapel on Friday, June 23rd at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 and Friday morning from 9:30-10:45, both times at the Tetonia chapel. Interment will be at the Cache-Clawson Cemetery.

Services will be streamed via Zoom at: https://zoom.us/j/93417189437