Roger Elbert Woolley

Roger Elbert Woolley passed away Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Smithfield Utah. He was born on Christmas Day, 1938 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the eldest child of Sylvia Nellie Shafer and Harry Hughes Woolley. Over the years, Gordon, Sylvia Ann, and Mike were added to their family.

He spent his early childhood in Salt Lake City, then moved to Oregon and Washington State following his father's employment with the Montgomery Ward department stores. When he was in junior high school, his father accepted a manager's position with the Golden Rule store in Preston, Idaho. His family moved here and settled easily into the community.

Roger graduated from Preston High School in 1957 and attended Utah State University for a year prior to serving a two year mission in the West Central States for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was honored to work with the Lamanite people during this time.

When he returned, he was sealed to Louise Johnson in the Logan, Utah Temple on July 7, 1961. They have enjoyed 65 years together. They became the proud parents of five wonderful children.

Following in his father's footsteps, Roger went into the retail profession. He served as manager for the Block's Clothing Store chain in Blackfoot and Preston, Idaho. He was then assigned to the newly opened Sandy, Utah store. In 1983 he and Louise decided to move back to Preston and open their own men's clothing business which was named Woolley’s. Five years later his store was merged with the new Bob's Mart. He spent many more years making new friends daily. He loved his association with the public. We often told him that he knew everyone in the valley, and they knew him.

He was occasionally referred to as the "old man in the front with the glasses", until they learned his name. He loved his coworkers and maintained his friendship with them long after he retired. At one time, almost every man in the valley had bought a suit or rented a tuxedo from him.

He belonged to the Preston Lions Club and served as their president multiple times. He served in many positions in the church, but his favorite was the fourteen years serving in the Franklin Stake High Council. He had a strong testimony of the gospel and was a faithful member throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Louise, and his five children and their spouses. He was extremely proud of his only daughter Kathryn Lennon (Dan), and sons Douglas Roger (Jeanette, Bryan Richard (Jace), Marc Spencer (Amy), David Eric (Kelli) along with his fourteen grandchildren and more numerous to mention great grandchildren. His legacy is his family. He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

There will be a visitation held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E., Preston, Idaho. There will be a small graveside gathering for family only. Burial will be in the Preston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com