VaLaine Wood Lepchenske

With profound love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, the family of VaLaine Wood Lepchenske announces her peaceful passing on July 14, 2026, in Pocatello, Idaho, just eight days before her 92nd birthday.

VaLaine was born on July 22, 1934, in Tremonton, Utah to Ellis Lynn Wood and Annie Brown Gunnell Wood. She was raised with a strong foundation of faith, family, and hard work—values that guided her throughout her life.

A graduate of Davis High School, VaLaine met her future husband while parking airplanes at Hill Air Force Base. She also enjoyed a career as a bank teller before becoming the owner and manager of a Pocatello Diet Center, where she found great satisfaction in helping others improve their health and well-being.

VaLaine married the love of her life, Billy Howard Lepchenske, and together they built a home centered on love, laughter, faith, and family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a trusted friend whose greatest joy came from spending time with those she loved.

She is survived by her children, Mark Lepchenske, Kim Smith (Jim), Lisa Lepchenske, and Kirk Lepchenske (Jennifer); her grandchildren, Eli Smith, Riley Smith, Saralyn Lepchenske, Carly Johnson, Alyssa Mechelhoff, Erik Armijo, Lindsey Gittins, Olivia Motley, Noah Zeyen, and Anna Lepchenske; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Beckham, Mia, Cruz, Dempsey, and Jaxson.

She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings, Doris King, Theron Wood, Valoy Watson, Odell Wood, Sharon Hurst, and Janice Wray. VaLaine is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness and friendship.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, VaLaine served in numerous Church auxiliaries and especially enjoyed her service as a sports director in Clinton, Utah. Her dedication to the gospel and her willingness to serve others were evident throughout her life.

She found joy in sewing, crocheting, bowling, painting, and traveling. She had an adventurous spirit, exploring the world, visiting all 50 states. Whether creating something beautiful with her hands, enjoying friendly competition on the bowling lanes, or discovering new places, VaLaine embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Those who knew VaLaine will remember her loving heart, unwavering faith, generous spirit, and especially her mischievous sense of humor. She had a remarkable ability to make others laugh, brighten a room with her smile, and remind those around her not to take life too seriously. Her warmth, compassion, and playful nature made her a joy to be around and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She spent several years volunteering in the critical care unit a Portneuf Medical Center, providing comfort to families processing a difficult journey.

She never forgot her roots as a child on a dry farm in Howell, Utah. She later made many high school friends in Riverton, Orem and Clearfield, Utah. Her happiest memory was meeting Billy while parking airplanes at Hill Air Force Base.

Her greatest accomplishment was the family she loved so deeply. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she taught by example the importance of faith, kindness, resilience, and unconditional love. Her influence will continue to bless future generations.

Although her earthly journey has come to an end, the love she shared, the memories she created, and the legacy she leaves behind will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A viewing will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 pm on Sunday, July 19 2026 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID. A graveside service will follow at 11:00 am on Monday, July 20 at the Brigham City Cemetery in Brigham City, UT.

"Families are forever." VaLaine lived that truth every day of her life. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and joyfully reunited with loved ones who have gone before her.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.