Ted Lynn Popplewell

We are saddened to share the passing of Ted Lynn Popplewell of Buhl, Idaho on January 10, 2026, at the age of 73. Ted was born on July 11, 1952, in Twin Falls, Idaho. He was the second child of Clyde Lee Popplewell and Geneva Elizabeth (Hollifield) Popplewell.

Ted grew up in Buhl with his parents and sister, Genny. He often shared memories of childhood fun. The Ramona Theater, Moon Glow Drive-In and original Buhl Golf Course were locations of some of these fond recollections. He cherished the many festive gatherings of the Popplewell and Hollifield families. His aunts, uncles and cousins gave him great joy. Ted excelled in leadership, academics and sports. He was a three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball and track. He was Buhl High School Student Body President, graduating with wonderful classmates in 1970. Ted subsequently attended the University of Idaho where he joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Fraternity, following in the footsteps of notable Buhl SAE’s. As an undergraduate, he was also a member of Blue Key and Intercollegiate Knights honor societies and President of his fraternity. Ted graduated from U of I in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He later returned to U of I to earn his Masters of Education – Educational Administration in 1978.

Ted married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lynn Ramseyer, of Filer in August 1974. As people know, Buhl and Filer are rivals, and Ted would love to tease Lynn about it. Ted and Lynn’s first son, Ty, was born in June 1982, and the twins, Nick and Joe, joined in April of 1985. Ted was very proud of his three sons and their accomplishments. In recent years, six lively grandchildren – Isaac, Carter, Geneva, Scarlet, Frances, and Jackson – joined the family. They lovingly called Ted “Boppa”.

Ted began his 41-year educational career – carrying on the family teaching legacy – in the fall of 1974. His entire career was dedicated to the Twin Falls School District. He began as a 5th grade teacher at Bickel Elementary and was soon hired as the Vice Principal at Robert Stuart Junior High. Working under the tutelage of Jack B. Watts, the Principal of Robert Stuart, was one of his most rewarding professional experiences. A few years later, Ted was hired as the Principal at Lincoln Elementary and began his extensive involvement in the Idaho Association of Elementary School Principals (IAESP).

Ted was hired as the first Oregon Trail Elementary Principal in 1994. He was extremely proud of the work and achievements of the Oregon Trail team. Oregon Trail was positively recognized multiple times by the Idaho Department of Education during Ted’s tenure there. Ted became the Twin Falls School District Director of Elementary Education in 2006, and the title of Director of Middle School Education was subsequently added to his purview. During his career, he garnered numerous professional accolades, including the Idaho Gem Award for Instructional Leadership from IAESP. Ted served as the President of the Idaho Association of Elementary School Principals from 1999 to 2000. He also served on the Northwest Regional Lab, National Association of Elementary Principals Zone 9 committee, and traveled nationally to represent Idaho elementary educators.

Ted’s favorite hobbies included skiing and golfing. There were many cherished Sun Valley skiing adventures with the Ramseyer Family. While his sons were young, Ted also helped coach their youth football, basketball, and baseball teams. During the 1990s and early 2000s, Ted, Grandpa Lee, Ty, Nick, and Joe would be seen playing countless weekend golf rounds down at Clear Lake Country Club. Throughout the years, Ted also played in many golf tournaments with his good friend, Ron Boyd. He was fond of American muscle cars, especially GTOs and Mustangs. Ted avidly rooted for the Green Bay Packers, and after he retired, he fulfilled a life-long dream of attending a Packers game at Lambeau Field. Of course, he always followed the Idaho Vandals and the Buhl Indians. He loved animals, especially cats. Reading and watching televised sporting events were favorite pastimes. Ted was a member of the Masons, Order of Eastern Star, Buhl Methodist Church and Clear Lake Country Club, where he served two terms as President of the CLCC Board.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lynn of Buhl, and his sons and their families: Ty and Annie (Isaac and Carter) of Buhl, Nick and Chelsea (Scarlet and Jackson) of Buhl, and Joe and Tiffannie (Geneva and Frances) of Twin Falls. He is also survived by numerous cousins, whom he greatly loved and admired. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Geneva, his sister, Genny, his in-laws, Duane and Mary Ramseyer, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many other beloved family members and close friends.

Our family sincerely thanks all who have supported us during this extremely difficult time. We feel so very blessed. Special thanks go out to Dr. Brian Mason of St. Luke’s Buhl Clinic and to St. Luke’s Hospital – Twin Falls. We have high regard for the excellent staff at DeSano Place in Jerome, and the Auburn Crest Staff who all assisted us and provided comfort to Ted in his final days. Although Ted ultimately passed away from a stroke, he fought a lifelong battle with depression and mental health issues. Despite his struggles, he leaves a legacy of leadership and commitment to the students in the Twin Falls School District, along with a loving family. He will be missed by family, friends, and colleagues. 

Private family services will be held at a later date. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider contributing to the Popplewell Family Scholarship, benefitting students who are entering the education field. Checks can be mailed to the Buhl School Foundation, Popplewell Scholarship, P.O. Box 108; Buhl, ID 83316. Thank you.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Ted's memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.