Betty Lou Wilson

Betty Lou (Routh) Wright Wilson passed away Monday, December 29, 2025 at her apartment at Touchmark in Meridian, Idaho, at the age of 93. She was born on January 27, 1932, in Kimberly, Idaho, at the farm of her great aunt Elsie during a violent snowstorm, to Leona Golgart Routh and Michael Routh. The storm was so severe that the doctor was unable to leave and spent the night at the farm, a story Betty Lou loved to share throughout her life. She was joined by her sister, Barbara Gietzen, in 1935.

Betty Lou began her schooling at Bickel Elementary School in Twin Falls and, after moving to Buhl, continued her education there, graduating in 1949. During her school years, she had a large circle of friends who called themselves “The Irrigators,” although none of them had ever worn irrigation boots or carried an irrigation shovel.

Following graduation, Betty attended nursing school in California for a short time but soon realized it was not her calling. She returned to Buhl and worked at C.C. Anderson Department Store until her marriage to Don Wright in 1952. Although Betty Lou disliked birds and chickens, she faithfully fed the chickens on the farm during her marriage to Don. Don passed away in 1996.

Betty remained on the farm until her marriage to Harry Wilson, Jr. in 1998. They made their home on Harry’s farm and shared many happy years together. During their marriage, they enjoyed traveling, including numerous trips to Mexico, often with her sister Barbara and brother-in-law, Bob. They also traveled to New York, Carlsbad, Canada, and many other places throughout the country. Betty Lou and Harry shared 26 wonderful years together until Harry’s passing in 2025.

After both Betty Lou’s and Harry’s health declined, they moved to assisted living in Meridian to be closer to her daughter, Carol and family. After Harry’s passing, Betty Lou remained in their apartment until her own passing.

Betty Lou was preceded in death by her husbands, Don Wright and Harry Wilson, Jr.; her son, Larry; her parents; and her son-in-law, Larry Lugar.

She is survived by her sister, Barbara Gietzen and her husband Bob of Buhl; her daughter, Carol; grandchildren, Ben and his wife Tida; Jacob and his wife Mia with great-granddaughter, Emma Lou; Zachary and his wife Jillian with great-grandson, Beau; Caleb and his wife Melissa with great grandchildren, Quin, Cecilia and Jacque; Lindsy and her husband Jamie with Lindsy’s daughter, Maddison; and Jamie and her husband Cody with great grandchildren, Kaiser, Mataya, McKayli & Kaidryk.

A viewing will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the Buhl Methodist Church, 908 Maple St, Buhl. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 1:00 pm, at the Buhl Methodist Church, with burial concluding at West End Cemetery, Buhl.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Betty Lou’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.