Leray L. Lytle

Leray Lavern Lytle was born to Eldon and Adeline (Ehlers) Lytle on January 2, 1935 in Garfield County, Nebraska, at his maternal grandparents’ home. He was the oldest of four boys in the family. He attended rural schools through the eighth grade. In 1951, the family moved to a ranch in Custer, South Dakota. He worked in various areas of construction until 1965 when he bought a plumbing and heating business in Custer. On September 4, 1970 he married Doris Bettcher at Zion Lutheran Church in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed on May 21, 1972 at Our Redeemer Lutheran church in Custer. On November 26,1971, their first child, Adeline, was born. Their second child Aaron followed on May 5, 1974. In 1978, the decision was made to move Lytle’s Plumbing and Heating, to Ainsworth, Nebraska. The family moved to a small acreage outside of Ainsworth, Nebraska. Leray grew the business. He raised a small herd of cattle as his “hobby”. In 2000, he sold the business but continued to work for the owner until he “retired” in 2009 because of his health. In 2015, Leray and Doris moved to Hastings, Nebraska to be closer to family. On July 6, 2026 he passed away at his home.

He is survived by his wife, Doris. His brothers Donald (Joan) Lytle, Custer South Dakota, Galen (Lynn)Lytle, Long Pine Nebraska. His children Adeline (Wade) Johnson in Hastings and Aaron (Sara) Lytle in Houston, Texas. His children from a previous marriage, Sally, Scott, and Steve. His grandchildren Zipporah and Zoe Johnson; Abrianna, Zachariah, Aaliyah, and Amariah Lytle.. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and brother Gary Lytle and grandsons Ezekiel and Zebediah Johnson.

Graveside services will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 10 at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Ainsworth, Nebraska. A coffee and cookie reception will follow at Zion Lutheran church.

Memorials may be given to Faith Lutheran church in Hastings, Nebraska or Zion Lutheran church in Ainsworth, Nebraska.