Each life that touches ours for good...bless our days with peace and love.
When such a friend from us departs, we hold forever in our hearts a sweet and hallowed memory.
Vernon Andersen Jolley of Burton, ID completed his earthly mission on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
He was born on May 29, 1955 in Atlanta, Georgia to his temporary family. He joined his real family along with his older brother David when they were 3 and 5 years of age. This is when he became one of the Wendell and Laree Jolley clan of Firth, Idaho.
Growing up on a farm gave him the best childhood. He had so many fun memories of working with the animals, chasing with his siblings, cousins and friends and all the adventures they had. One of his most remembered events was when his brother David dared him to ride the bike down a really steep hill just to see if he could do it. Of course Vern took the dare and realized very quickly it wasn’t a good choice. That was his first experience of being knocked out and ending up with stitches. Needless to say he didn’t try that again.
He loved riding with his dad in the milk truck collecting from the different dairies in the region. He remembered going with his parents and brother by train to Wisconsin to bring back a new milk truck. It was a big experience for a little boy.
He recounts the fun he had playing church sports as a youth and football at Firth High School. He loved playing softball and was proud to be part of the Burton Men’s Team that won the Stake Championship.
Vern was an excellent driver and spent many hours behind the wheel with the various trucking jobs he had through the years. They took him all over the United States and into Canada. He saw a lot of country and met many people in his travels. One of his favorite runs was when Ida Jo was able to go with him for 8 days. It was nice for him to share what he did and loved with her.
Vern and Ida Jo were married on December 8, 1990 and shared almost 34 years of marriage. They learned to laugh, cry, face challenges and gain patience together.
Family was very important to Vern. He loved being the Papa Bear and defending his young. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren with all they have and will accomplish. They are his greatest joy.
One of the favorite memories with the kids when they were little was taking them up to the church parking lot after it snowed and pulling them around on sleds with his pickup.
Vern loved to joke with people and see what kind of reaction he could get. He always tried to act like a grumpy old man even though he was a softy inside. To know Vern was to love him people would say.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in different callings from a Primary Teacher, Elders Quorum Secretary, Facilities Coordinator and Home Teacher. He loved his Savior and had a testimony of the power of prayer.
Fishing was one of his favorite past times. He called it his therapy. Ida Jo said it was actually for her benefit not his. Shortly after they got married he and Ida Jo borrowed a canoe. All went well until she got out first and caught the side with her foot promptly dumping Vern in the lake. He never forgave her for that and refused to go canoeing again.
Even though the last few years were challenging with health concerns, Vern knew he was loved. He appreciated all the care and outreach from family and friends. Many times he would say how blessed he was. How grateful we are for the knowledge that we may be separated for a time but it is not forever.
God be with you Vern until we meet again.
Vern is survived by his wife, Ida Jo Welker Jolley, his daughters Stephanie Breshears of Idaho Falls, ID; Audrie (Paul) Jones of Burton, ID; his sons Evan (Corinna) Jolley of Williston, ND and Brandon (Lacy) Jolley of Cd’A, ID; his siblings Maralee (Josh) Cutler of Idaho Falls, ID; David (Pat) Jolley of Yorktown, VA; Todd (Karen) Jolley of Orem, UT and Scott G. Jolley of Shelley, ID; 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Wendell and Laree Jolley
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Burton West Church, 3538 W 2000 S, Rexburg, ID 83440.
Visitation will be at the Burton West Church from 6:00–7:30 pm on Friday, October 18th and then prior to the funeral on Saturday morning from 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Interment will be at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery, E Menan Lorenzo Hwy, Rigby, ID 83442.
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