Estella Woodruff Wilkes

Estella Woodruff Wilkes passed peacefully Saturday, June 13, 2026; in Rexburg, Idaho. She was a woman who truly embodied the divine virtues of womanhood and had a remarkable influence on many throughout her life. She came to earth with a powerful spirit, exuding a palpable peace and love to those around her.

Estella was born to Manford and Norma Woodruff on November 15, 1944. She was the middle of five children and the only daughter. Her beautiful dark curly hair and delicate features earned her the nickname ‘Dolly’ because she looked like a precious little doll.

Many health challenges started for Estella at the young age of 3. Including, at the age of five, rheumatic fever which forced Estella to stay in bed for two long years. Through her health challenges, Estella learned that people had feelings and needed to be loved, sympathized with, and accepted as they are with their limitations and challenges. She learned to be kind and patient with others, and she built a foundation of faith that she relied on throughout her life. She developed complete trust and faith in Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness and in her love for the Savior and in His love for her.

Estella loved her parents dearly. She wanted to help them however she could. She was a hard worker; and when Estella saw something needed to be done, she didn’t wait for someone else to do it. At the age of 7, she assumed great responsibilities taking care of her siblings, preparing meals, and running a household. Estella was so dedicated to helping her family that through elementary and middle school she only had one-half day a week to play. At the age of eleven, Estella also began caring for her beloved grandmother Pearl Petersen by becoming her cleaning lady, airdresser, bookkeeper, and best friend.

Estella graduated from Mt. Olympus High School in 1963. She enjoyed all the social offerings available to her – especially dating. Rather than a class ring celebrating her graduation from high school, Estella graduated wearing an engagement ring. She was joyously sealed to her eternal sweetheart Robert (Bob) on September 6, 1963, in the Salt Lake City Temple. As a missionary, Bob served in the same mission her uncle President G. Carlos Smith presided over. At the request of her uncle, when Bob returned home from his mission, Estella picked him up at the airport. She was rewarded by meeting the love of her life.

Years of helping with her family while growing up meant Estella had nearly perfected her homemaking skills. She was excited to utilize them as she built her life with Bob. She loved to beautify her surroundings and found joy in creating through quilting, sewing, canning and baking. As she and Bob raised their six children, she used these creative gifts to bless her family. Estella prioritized making a hot breakfast for her husband and children daily, often in shifts. Bob credited these breakfasts as an essential factor in the harmony and love felt amongst their family members.

Estella cherished the sacred responsibility of motherhood and worked tirelessly to have her home be a heaven on earth where the spirit could be felt. She believed in the power of music and its ability to invite the spirit. Estella believed in standing in holy places and that your environment impacted your ability to feel the spirit as well. She lived by the motto ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’, and this influenced her meticulous care of her family and their home. She spent her life nurturing others and felt it was a privilege to serve the Lord in that way. Estella never overlooked the value of the small moments where she could minister to ‘the one’.

As her hands aged, they bore the mark of her persistent efforts in caring for people in the Savior's way. She had a valiant desire to make a difference, and the realization of her goal can be seen in the lives of those who know her.

Estella cherished the time she got to serve alongside Bob as they were called to be Mission Leaders in the Wisconsin Milwaukee mission from 1995-1998; Interim President and First Lady of BYU–Idaho; and Temple President and Matron at the Billings Montana Temple from 2005-2008.

Estella is survived by her children Elizabeth (Kelly) Burgener of Rexburg, Idaho; Alison (Thayer) Rogers of San Antonio, Texas; Robert (Suzanne) Wilkes of Farmington, Utah; Amanda (Brian) Kingsford of Rexburg, Idaho; John (Amy) Wilkes of Pocatello, Idaho; Scott (Shelly) Wilkes of Rexburg, Idaho; along with twenty-six grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Harold (Janet) Woodruff of Salt Lake City, Utah. She was preceded in death by her brothers Barr (Cathy) Woodruff of Salt Lake City, Utah; Keith Woodruff of Salt

Lake City, Utah; Eugene Woodruff of Las Vegas, Nevada; and her devoted husband of 62 years, Robert Murray Wilkes.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the chapel located at 2332 West 2000 South in Rexburg, ID. At the same chapel, the family will receive friends Friday, June 19, 2026, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. and before the funeral on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.. Interment will be at the Rexburg Cemetery.

Friends and family who are unable to attend the funeral services are welcome to watch them virtually by clicking the link at the top of the page.