Leray Lavern Lytle was born to Eldon and Adeline (Ehlers) Lytle on January 2, 1935 in Garfield County, NE 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, SD. 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 M. Bettcher at the Zion Lutheran Church in Rapid City, SD. 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, NE. The family moved to a small acreage outside of Ainsworth. 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 Juniata, NE to be closer to family. On July 6, 2026 he passed away at his home.

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

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery northwest of Ainsworth. A coffee and cookie reception will follow at the Zion Lutheran Church. Memorials may be given to Faith Lutheran Church in Hastings or Zion Lutheran Church in Ainsworth. Arrangements are being handled through the Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home of Hastings and the Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.