Tony Jolley, 84

Tony Jolley, 84, of Bruneau, died Oct. 23, 2006, at a care center in Nampa.

Funeral services were held Oct. 28 at the Grand View LDS Church, with burial following at the Bruneau Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

Tony was born March 25, 1922, in Burley, Idaho, the eighth child of Reuben James and Ezra (Conger) Jolley.

Tony grew up and attended school in the Burley area. In his teen years he worked on the family ranch as well as several other ranches in this area.

Tony's tour of duty in the U.S. Navy was from December 1942 to November 1945. "He was proud to serve his country and freedom meant a great deal to him," his family said.

He was a Purple Heart Veteran.

Tony met Norma Thomas in the spring of 1949 and they were married that fall. Three sons were born to them: Mark Anthony, Daniel Thomas and Shane Rafael.

Rodeo was a part of Tony's life, with calf roping being his preferred event. He rode and loved his beautiful quarter horse mare, Salomi. Tony worked at many things to support his family, but the work he enjoyed most was done from the back of a horse, his family said.

"Throughout his life, Tony loved to travel and he saw much of this world. He loved to meet people. He always said that a stranger was a friend he had yet to meet," the family added.

The Boise, Idaho, Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was built in 1984 and Tony faithfully served there from it's opening until he was no longer physically able to in 2002. "This was certainly a labor of love for him," his family said.

"One of Tony's greatest joys was his grandchildren. He loved spending time with them, and took them on many unique adventures. Tony was dearly loved by his family and will live on in our hearts."

Anthony Jay Jolley is survived by: his wife of 57 years, Norma Carol Jolley of Bruneau; his sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Debra of Homedale, Daniel and Nannette of Bowmont and Shane and Debbie of Bruneau; one brother, John J. Jolley of Nampa; 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.