Boyd Marlin Matthews

Boyd Marlin Matthews passed away peacefully in his home in Parma, Idaho, on March 4, 2025, at age 86.  Boyd was born on January 13, 1939, in St. Helens, Oregon, the first-born child to Marlin and Margaret Matthews. His sister, Carol (Matthews) Wolfe, and brothers, Warren and Seth Mathews, soon followed.

Boyd was raised with his family on the Oregon Slope and Midvale, Idaho, and graduated from Midvale High School in 1957. Throughout grade and high school, Boyd was active in 4-H and FFA, where he was highly successful in market, judging, and showmanship for beef. Boyd won many Grand Champion ribbons and even a trip to Washington, D.C. for his excellence in 4-H leadership. Boyd served in the Army from 1962 to 1964 as a Medical Corpsman. After serving in the military, Boyd married Jean Krautz in 1969 and became stepfather to Terrie Anderson (Cheung) and Brenda Anderson.

In 1970, Boyd and Jean welcomed Vickie (Matthews) Reisetter.  Boyd and Jean homesteaded in Glennallen, Alaska, where he farmed and worked for the railroad. After returning to Idaho, Boyd established and co-owned Riverside Electric in Parma, Idaho. Boyd retired from his Riverside business and married Vicki (Taylor) Matthews in 1993. Boyd and Vicki lived in Parma, Idaho; Sumpter, Oregon; Yuma, Arizona; and Mexico until Vicki passed away unexpectedly in 2012.

Boyd loved to hunt and fish with his friends and brothers and spent many wonderful trips on the South fork of the Salmon River hunting and fishing. He particularly enjoyed packing into Partridge Creek in Idaho to hunt deer and elk every year. Boyd and Vicki enjoyed their winters in Mexico and Yuma with friends and summers on their property in Sumpter, Oregon. Boyd was known for his love of quickly blazing a trail, whether it be on his 4-wheeler, snowmobile, or on a mule. In all the places he lived, Boyd was known for showing up on his 4-wheeler with his beloved dog “Billy” sitting in front of him. Boyd had many beloved animals, but his most recent cats: “Mischief” and “Precious" brought Boyd, and only Boyd, joy. He loved to play Pinochle and loved to tell people, “You have to bid your hand.” In January, Boyd spent his 86th birthday playing Pinochle with his family. Boyd loved bowling and bowled for years on a team in the Homedale bowling league. He loved watching sports, including the Red Sox, and could often be found at his great niece’s track or basketball games. Last summer, Boyd was able to complete his “bucket list” trip to Mt. Rushmore with his brothers, Warren and Seth. Boyd was a member of the Sterry Memorial Church in Roswell and Eagle Christian Church and enjoyed many lunches with his friends at the Parma Senior Center.  

Boyd Marlin Matthews is survived by his daughters: Brenda Anderson, Terrie (Anderson) Cheung, and Vickie (Matthews) Reisetter; brother-in-law and sister, Jim and Carol (Matthews) Wolfe; brother and sister-in-law, Warren and Terrie Matthews; brother and sister-in-law, Seth and Patti Matthews; and countless grand and great grand nieces and nephews, including: Jeff and Trinity (Matthews) Jackson, Madison (Jackson) Hall, Grace Jackson, Sidney Jackson, Wes and Jill (Matthews) Hedt, Anna Hedt, Joseph Hedt, and Claire Matthews. 

Boyd Matthews is preceded in death by his mother and father, Margaret and Marlin Matthews; and wife, Vicki Matthews.

A service to celebrate Boyd’s life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Sterry Memorial Church in Roswell, Idaho. Boyd will be buried next to his wife and parents at the Payette Riverside Cemetery. 

Services are under the care of Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. (208) 459-0833