Wilbur Boyce 1935-2026
Wilbur Eugene Boyce, 90, passed away peacefully at home, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026.
He was born April 3, 1935, on the family farm south of Valley Falls to his parents, Harry and Rose (Adkins) Boyce.
Wilbur lived in Valley Falls his entire life. When he was in grade school, he was proud to be one of the first members of the Valley Falls Victors 4-H Club showing his calves. Wilbur graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1954. While in high school, he worked a variety of jobs including working for a local implement dealer for two years. He drove the Valley Falls school bus for two years after graduating high school.
In high school, he also enjoyed farming and helping his father and others. At the age of 17 while in high school, Wilbur joined the active Army Reserves and served for eight years. He earned the rank of corporal and was honorably discharged on February 16, 1961.
On June 28, 1957, Wilbur married Mary Rathert at the St. Matthews Lutheran Church of Nortonville. They shared more than 68 years of marriage. They later joined the St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Valley Falls, where he served on the church council.
He was employed by the State Office for a short time before going to work for the Santa Fe office where he worked for 12 years. Wilbur and Mary bought their farm near Denison, where they raised cattle and farmed. He had built a modern dairy barn and operated the dairy for five years.
Wilbur served on the Jackson County #3 Water Board for eight years. He drove the Vo-tech bus and bus route for more than 30 years for USD 338 Valley Falls. Wilbur received his real estate license and sold real estate for several companies in Topeka before getting his broker license. He started his own company, Home Land Realty. He was a member of the Kansas and National Association of Realtors, the Topeka Board of Realtors and multiple listing services, all while driving the bus routes and farming.
Wilbur enjoyed music and taught himself to play guitar and piano. He also enjoyed watching and listening to the birds and could tell you the names of the birds singing.
He was proceeded in death by a baby daughter; his parents, Harry and Rose; sister, Jaunita Lawson; grandson, Ryan Gunther; and a son-in-law, Dr. Terry Harter.
Wilbur was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Mary of the home; son, Mark Boyce (Jill) of Valley Falls; two daughters, Tamah Harter of Holton and Sharon Ramsey (Rich Heuertz) of Valley Falls; eight grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; and two beloved terriers, Lady and Dolly.
Wilbur will lie in state from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. The family will greet friends from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 at the funeral home. A private family graveside service with military honors will be held in Valley Falls Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Jefferson County Hospice or to the Jefferson County Humane Society, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
