Kenneth B. Jolley
RONAN — It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Kenneth B. Jolley … a loving devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, July 4, 1915, he spent the majority of his youth in San Bernardino, California. Ken passed away on April 7, 2016. His parents and four sisters along with three older brothers preceded him in death.
Ken is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Scott (Janet); and daughter Lynelle (Scott). Ken was also blessed to have six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Following high school Ken worked at a number of jobs to support his younger sisters and mother. Even in his final days, he fondly recalled happy times working in the San Bernardino Mountains. Whether it was running a Gardner mixer on a highway maintenance crew or serving as a fire lookout for the Forest Service, he brought enthusiasm and devotion to all he did.
When he eventually left San Bernardino as a young man, he attended Oregon State University to prepare for a career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. World War II interrupted his college years. During his enlistment, Ken served in the Army Air Corps as a medic. It was during the war that he met and married his wife-to-be, Barbara Storm, of DeKalb, Illinois. After Ken shipped out overseas, Barbara stayed in the Chicago area and worked for the War Department along with several other jobs.
Upon Ken’s honorable discharge from the service, the young couple, like so many others, began to build their lives. They returned to Oregon State University so Ken could finish his wildlife management degree, moving on from there to live and work at a number of wildlife refuges, including Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge.
As their family grew, they realized that moving from one remote location to another managing refuges was not what they envisioned for a young family.
Ken went on to get a job with the San Bernardino County Flood Control District. He rose through the ranks and became that agency’s operations supervisor, a position he held until his retirement. Shortly after retiring, Ken and Barbara returned to the Mission Valley area where they established a home some 27 years ago in Ronan. It was also here that he celebrated his 100th birthday last summer with so many friends.
Ken will be greatly missed by his family, who feel tremendously blessed to have had him for as long as they have. A modest man, Ken did not desire to have a memorial service. For those who feel compelled to donate in his memory, the family suggests a donation to the Ronan Public Library would be a fitting tribute.
