Burley

by

1972 Burley High School Commencement

I was trying to find some photos and stumbled upon my Mom’s graduation pamphlet I had scanned a few years ago. Thought maybe it was time to share it, especially where I have seen some of her classmates have passed away recently.

1972 Baccalaureate and Commencement – Burley High School – Burley Idaho

These programs courtesy of the following Public Spirited Business Concerns

Amalgamated Sugar Co.

Burley Processing Co.

Burley Reminder

Cassia National Bank

First Federal Savings & Loan Assn., Burley Branch

First Security Bank

Guys ‘N Dolls

Idaho Bank & Trust Co.

Idaho First National Bank Burley Office

McCaslins

Ponderosa Inn

J. R. Simplot Food Processing Division

South Idaho Press

Class Officers

President Garth Beck

Vice President Bud Hoffbuhr

Secretary Jill Hinz

Executives Peggy Wood, Peggy Larson, Kaye Dawn Larson, Jeananne Gruwell, Jean Graham

Class Adviser Mr. David Peck

Baccalaureate Sunday, May 21, 1972 2:30 P.M.

Mr. Tom Gruwell , Principal, Presiding

Processional High School Band Mike Chesley, Conducting

Welcome Garth Beck Class President

Invocation Bud Hoffbuhr

Special Number Bel Canto Choir Elden Wood, Conducting “Battle Hymn of the Republic”

Address Dr. Walter R. Peterson

Cherubim Song Senior Octet

Benediction Calvin Pearson

Recessional High School Band

Commencement Monday, May 22, 1972 8:00 P.M.

Mr. Tom Gruwell, Principal, Presiding

THEME: “I Dream Dreams that Never Were and I Ask, Why Not” – George Bernard Shaw

Processional – High School Band – Mike Chesley, Conducting

Invocation – Connie Smith

Welcome Address – Garth Beck, Class President

Greetings from Austria – Marianne Koch – Exchange Student

“Man and His World” – Senior Choir

Valedictorian – Julieann Kerbs

Trombone Solo – Doug Nichols

Salutatorian – Edi Lou King

“The Halls of Ivy” – Senior Sextet

Presentation of Diplomas – Mr. Norval Wildman, Mr. Albert Klink, Mr. Dave Peck, Mr. Tom Gruwell

Class Song “Crescent Moon” – Class of ’72 – Gwen Bowen, Conducting

Benediction – Wayne Johnson

Recessional – High School Band

Adams, David Ratelle

Allen, Kathryn Marie

Allred, Anthony Jon

Allred, Howard Lynn

Amen, Joanne Marie

Andersen, Debra

Anderson, Roxanne

Anderson, J. DeLayne

Anderson, Jay S

Angus, Joyce Ann

Baker, Cheryl

Baker, Rell Dean

Banner, Marc

Barkdull, Marlene

Bewan, Lynnette

Beard, Patrick Scott

* Beck, Garth Warren

Beck, Reid Belliston

Beckham, George Benjamin

Bedke, Douglas Herman

Bell, Larry W

Bench, Michael R

Berkenmeier, JoAnn

Bishop, Gregory Lynn

Black, Don Reid

Bodily, Ted

Bowcut, Bruce V

Bowen, Gwen

Bowers, Gloria

Bradshaw, Bill A Jr

Breeding, SHelly Marie

Brill, Russel Dean

Brown, Julieann

Burgi, Lysene

Burton, Arlen Lynn

Call, Milo Jay

Campbell, Debbie Kay

Cargill, Elwin Verl II

Carey, Mirian June

Castillo, Yolanda Hernandez

Christian, Debbie Lynn

Clark, Bradley Hales

Clark, Tony

Coleman, Rick Lynn

* Crane, RoZann

Cunnington, Gaylene

Darrington, Jerilyn

Davids, Michael Lynn

Davis, Donna Emily

Day, Debra E

Dayley, LaNae

Dayley, Lee K

Delaney, William W

Dille, LuRene

Draney, R. L.

Duncan, Rocky Gale

Dunn, Rodney K

Dunn, Roger

** Eames, Lou Ann

Eldredge, Debbie

Fairchild, Aleta Ann

Fenton, Wayne J

Ferlic, Beth Anne

Ferlic, Robert James

Filger, Thomas W

Fillmore, Louise

Fletcher, William Kent

Forschler, Laura Lynn

Forschler, Melody

Frazier, Lon Mitchell

Frost, Verlynn

Funk, Barbara Elaine

Gallegos, Linda K

Garcia, Don J

Garrard, Vickie Lynn

Goodwin, Irene C

Graflt, Duane B

Graham, Jean

Green, Michael Dan

** Green, Sharon

Gregersen, Denice

Gruwell, Jeananne

Guiles, Randy Andrew

Gunnell, Brent Udell

Hanks, Gary Thomas

** Hansen, Rae

Hansen, Sondra

Harper, Leslie C

Hatch, Karal

Haycock, Con D

Hazel, Stanley J

Heiner, Paula Jean

Hepworth, Linda

Hess, Steven Lerlan

Heward, William Alex

Hill, Michael Gordon

Hinz, Jill Marie

Hinz, Kathleen Ann

Hobson, Sheryl

Hoffbuhr, Vern S Jr

Holm, Steve D

* Holmes, Thomas J

Holt, Phillip L

Holyoak, Kenneth Reid

Hunt, Timothy Lynn

Hunter, Richard A

Jackson, Kelly Ann

Johnson, Becky A

Johnson, Jack Wesley

Johnson, Mary Beth

Johnson, Wayne RIchard

Jolley, Patricia

Jonas, Sandy

Jones, Steven

Judd, Rockland K

Karlson, Kerry

Kawamoto, Becky

Keen, George E

Keen, Vickie Rae Funk

Kelly, Pat

** Kerbs, Julieann

Kidd, Cory Vaughn

** King, Edith Louise

King, Gary

Knight, R Dano

Kober, Glen R

Koch, Marianne

Koyle, Garth H

Koyle, Shanna

Kunau, Nancy Rae

* Lamb, DeEsta Marie

Larsen, Brent

* Larsen, Scott William

Larsen, Vickie Esther

Larson, Vickey Irene

Larson, Kaye Dawn

Larson, Peggy

Lee, Roxanne

Lopez, Manuel Campbell

Lynch, Gary D

McBride, Anita Marie

McMurray, Susan Mary

* Mackley, Sally Irene

Mai, Kelly

Malloy, Michael John

Manning, Roger D

Marston, Della Kathleen

Martin, Greg

Martin, Stephanie Lyn

Martin, Stephen William

Maselter, Denise Ann

Matthews, Ennis Eugene

Merrill, Kaye Ellen

Miller, John Edward

Moore, Debra L

Moorman, David Edgar

Navejar, Oscar

Nichols, Doulgas Arthur

Nielson, Alice Ann

Nielson, Allan

Obermiller, Cynthia Jean

Olsen, Ricky Ross

Olson, Donna Gaye

Ostrander, Diane Kay

Ostrander, Greg

Otte, Royce Oliver

Page, Linda Marion

Patteron, Peggy Ann

* Pearson, Calvin H

Peterson, Edith Victoria

Pitchford, Debra Faye

Poulton, William Arthur

Powell, Dean

Priest, Roger Kirk

Ramirez, Adelita

Ramsey, Glenn Douglas

Randall, Steven Grant

Redder, Karen Lea

Reedy, Pamela Hannah

Rehn, Scott Leonard

Rendla, Gary M

Rich, Diane S

Richardson, LuAnn

Rickert, Janice Norene

Ritchie, Neil B

Roberts, Kelly Jo

Robinson, Beth

Ross, Norman Clyde

Russell, Patricia B

Sager, Kent Leslie

Sandmann, Michael Remund

Schorzman, Anne

Severe, Rhonda

Short, David G

Silcock, Richard Donald

Simcoe, Steve Bryan

Sivley, Mary

Smith, Connie Sue

Sowers, Bill A

Spann, Debora

Stephenson, Julia

Taylor, David A

Taylor, Russell Price

Thaxton, Stephen Craig

Thompson, Carlene Diane

Thornburg, Deborah

Telley, Marsha Ann

Tolle, Kent Ray

* Tollefson, Kathryn M

Tracy, Perry

Vannatian, Frances Ruby

Vorwaller, Kristine

Wardle, Diane

Wardle, Pamela Kaye

Warr, Paul K

** Weirich, Yvonne Denese

West, Monte M

Wetzstein, Lynette Kay

White, Kristine

Whittle, Ferol Kristine

Wickel, Lee Roy

* Winward, Brenda Arlene

Wolf, Richard Patrick

Wood, Peggy Ann

Woodland, Kirk

Woolstenhulme, Steven Leo

Worman, Barbara Ann

Wright, Edward R

Wyant, Ronald Lee

Wyatt, Marla Jean

Young, Richard L

Zollinger Janene

National Honor Society Members

** Gold Cord – with 3.8 average or above

* Blue Cords – with 3.5 average to 3.8

The sketch of the Burley High School on the front of the Diploma case.

Sandy Jonas Burley High School Diploma

Mom’s actual Diploma.

Burley High School – Burley, Idaho

This Certifies That Sandy Jonas has satisfactorily completed a Course of Study prescribed for Graduation from this School and is therefore awarded this Diploma.

Given in the month of May, nineteen hundred and seventy-two

Tom Gruwell – Principal

Harold W Blauer – Superintendent

W B Whiteley – Chairman Board of Education

Here is a copy of Mom’s Senior picture – 1972

by

Hiram to the Temple

Amanda, Aliza, Milo, Hiram, and Paul Ross at the Pocatello Idaho Temple

Hiram turns 12 this year. That means he is of sufficient age that in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he can be conferred the Aaronic Priesthood, ordained a Deacon, and attend the holy temple to perform work on behalf of the deceased. The year that a youth turns 12, starting in January, they may enter the temple to do that work. We did the same thing with Aliza. 

We were originally slated to go 12 January but a winter storm closed the Twin Falls Temple. Our Ward, the Burley 8th Ward, also had a temple trip planned to the Twin Falls Temple on 13 January. Weather cancelled that trip as well. The temples are usually booked out a month or two in advance. Looking around, I found a little opening in the Pocatello Temple on 26 January, so I booked it. Twin Falls is about 45 to 50 minutes away, Pocatello is about 65 to 70 minutes away. 

We loaded up Dad and trekked off to Pocatello. Lillian and James stayed with Aunt Lolane Andra in Chubbuck and we ran up to the temple. We snapped this picture on the way in. A bit fuzzy, but it preserves the date! Grandpa Milo and I were able to baptize and confirm Aliza and Hiram.

Afterward we hung out with Aunt Lolane for a bit and then squeezed in a trip to Denny’s before heading home. Unfortunately we forgot to get a picture with Lolane.

by

Idahome, Idaho

“Two other Idaho boomtowns which never really got off the ground were Idahome and Yale, in the Raft River Valley. Idahome was at one time, a planned major shipping point for cattle and grain out of the Raft River Valley, but the town died when plans for the railroad failed to materialize. Today, all that remains at Idahome is a grain elevator and the only thing left in Yale is a beet dump. Several other planned towns in the Raft River Valley met the same fate when the railroad did not come into the area.”

This newspaper clipping caught my attention for a couple of reasons. Idahome is not too far from me in Cassia County, about 30 miles from Burley.

Apparently my Great Great Grandparents, James and Damey Ross, lived in Idahome in 1918. At least that is where their son Robert shows them as living when he registered for the draft in September 1918. They moved quickly to Paul, Idaho as I understand Jim worked the first sugar beet campaign that fall. It was in Paul they lived when their son, John, aka Jack, came to visit while on leave from the army in 1919. I don’t know how long Jim and Damey lived in Idahome. Other than that draft registration, I was not aware they were residing in or near Idahome. Either way, it now holds a place as an alleged residence of my Great Great Grandparents.

by

2023 Annular Solar Eclipse

For the 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse on October 14, we traveled to Wells, Nevada. We wanted to be in the path of totality for the full experience.

Ruby Valley Branch Church

We booked a hotel in Wells, Nevada and drove down Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, when we arrived, we found out the entire hotel had been somehow double booked. There was no room at the inn. That was a total surprise and disappointment. We looked up available hotels, there was nothing available within many miles. The options were either to just sleep in our van or go home. We could have ventured back to Jackpot for a really expensive hotel room, or… We just didn’t know.

Aliza Ross, Zach Smart, Hiram Ross, Amanda Ross, James Ross, Alyssa Smart, Jill and Bryan Hemsley, and Lillie Ross looking heavenward

We did have a dinner appointment with Jordan and Kari Brough. Since we already had that dinner appointment, we decided to keep it and figure things out later. He was a missionary in Oklahoma City and we have kept in contact over the years. I knew he was in Nevada. I reached out and indicated we would be in his neck of the woods and he invited us over (he said to return the favor of dinners in Oklahoma. We had a great dinner with them and their three little children. The food and company was great, very worth the visit.

Amanda Ross, Alyssa Smart, and Jill Hemsley at Ruby Valley

After dinner, the Broughs asked us about our hotel accommodations. We were not planning on saying anything but we told them. They expanded their dinner invitation to include overnight stay! Which, we were afraid we would impose on them and they would do such. Kari is also pregnant. We had very limited options so we were happy for the chance. We emphasized that they must give us an opportunity to return the favor. We expressly invited them for the Burley Idaho Temple Open House or any other time they may be in our area.

Partial Eclipse at Ruby Valley Cemetery, behind Ruby Valley LDS church building

Another perk of staying at the Brough home was that they live in Clover Valley, part of the way between Wells and Ruby Valley. It reduced part of our trip to Ruby Valley. We had a pleasant breakfast with the Broughs, saw their chickens, and headed out.

Shadows on a wall during the full annular eclipse in Ruby Valley

We had already designated Ruby Valley as the location to meet with Amanda’s family from Utah. We chose The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints branch building in Ruby Valley. The Broughs told us to look out for the Neff family while we were there. Sure enough, a contingent of their family were there to watch the eclipse at the building too.

Solar Eclipse Timelapse by Bryan Hemsley

We went to Rexburg in 2017 for the total eclipse so we had expected something similar. It certainly did not get as dark. Bryan had his camera taking proper shots as the eclipse occurred. You can see the result above. We were very luck to be between clouds for the entire eclipse. The forecast had said it would be about 30% cloud cover, and they were about right. We were really worried we would get cloud cover for the full eclipse and we might not be able to see the sun at all.

Leading up to full eclipse, what we called cartoon shadows

Nothing quite adds up in the mind with the changes of light with an eclipse. This was no different. Even as we were driving out to Ruby Valley and the partial eclipse was starting, my eyes were not happy. My mind seemed to be trying to focus as it recognized something was wrong with the light.

Before the eclipse, the shows reflect the eclipse. You can see the full eclipse above with full circles.

It was already a partially chilly day. I do not think the eclipse helped at all. But we were just along for the ride.

After the eclipse, the webbing of our shadows

It was worth the drive. We are already looking into plans to make the April 2024 eclipse happen. It might be the last chance our children, or either of us, get to experience another eclipse in our lifetime. Where to go to maximize the eclipse length, reduce travel issues, lower costs, but yet avoid potential cloud cover. Where will we end up?

Bryan Hemsley, Amanda Ross, and Zach Smart after the total annular eclipse

by

Alaska Jonas Cousins

Caitlin, Brook, Linda, and Doug Jonas with Paul and Amanda Ross

In July 2021 Amanda found some airplane tickets to Alaska for $117 per ticket. They were a red eye flight to Fairbanks. We jumped on the opportunity. I will share some of the photos and other exploits later, but one of the highlights was seeing my Uncle Doug and Aunt Linda Jonas at their home in Anchorage, Alaska. We also got to spend some time with my cousin, their son, Brook and his wife, Caitlin, at their home as well. The above photo is from Brook and Caitlin’s home on 23 July. It is not a great photo, but it is the best we have of the occasion.

Hiram, Aliza, and James Ross with Elle and Blye Jonas, and last with Lillie Ross

We stayed with my Uncle and Aunt for several days. Another highlight of the trip is watching the kids play and get to know their second cousins they had never met before. Elle and Blye loved playing with our kids, and our kids had fun at their house!

Doug Jonas, Paul Ross, Linda Jonas at their home in Anchorage

This photo is from our last day when we left. Doug, Linda, and Blye sent us off with love.

Doug, Blye, and Linda Jonas

Our red eye flight was in and out of Fairbanks, a 6.5 hour trip if that was direct. We were taking the long road through Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, so it was a much longer trip that included Glennallen, Paxson, Delta Junction, and North Pole.

The trip to Alaska was so successful, Doug came back that same summer to celebrate his 50th Class Reunion from Burley High School. It was supposed to be celebrated in 2020, but COVID-19 killed that, so they joined up with the 1971 group to celebrate their 50th in 2021.

Paul Ross, Mary Lou Teal, Bill Teal, Jackie Melycher, Doug Jonas, James Ross, Linda Jonas

We celebrated by throwing on a little party for Doug and Linda while they were in town. Jackie and Mary Lou are two other cousins that came to celebrate with us.

Aliza and Lillie Ross, Doug and Linda Jonas, James Ross, and Jackie Melycher

by

2023 Legislative Session

Brandon Woolf, McCord Larsen, Paul Ross with Idaho State Capitol

This year I was more involved in the legislative process than in the past. There were a few bills I was particularly interested and closely involved. I even helped write a few.

On 3 March 2023 I traveled to the Idaho State Capitol with my friend and Cassia County Prosecutor McCord Larsen to testify on a particular bill related to Public Defense. While there, we took the opportunity to make a number of other calls and visits in addition to the legislators/legislative. This photo comes from one of those visits.

Brandon Woolf is the Idaho State Controller. More importantly he is my friend. He is always out and about in visiting communities and friends. I have run into him in Preston, Soda Springs, Malad, Burley, Rupert, and Boise. Not only do I respect and honor this friend, our families have been friends for generations. Brandon is from Preston, where my Andra, Nuffer, and Wanner lines are all from. I have ran into Brandon at That Famous Preston Night Rodeo, the Rodeo Days Parade (also in Preston), and even the Independence Day Breakfast in Preston. It has been a small world and an oddity that I run into this guy as much as I do.

He took us through and shows us the new Transparent Idaho website. He is pretty excited for this website to continue to be rolled out and outfitted with all information for Idaho government. That is not just state, but every taxing district from cities, to counties; from cemetery districts to school districts.

The highlight was catching up between old friends (and Aggies). For the occasion, we snapped this photo from Brandon’s office. Somehow it seems enchanting. My beloved state, a phenomenal Idaho Constitutional Officer, friendship, and a beautiful Capitol. My experience with Idaho is that we are in good hands.

As for the legislation we were working on that day, well it was a disappointment. Representatives Weber and Cannon apparently were more interested in passing a bill than getting it right. We have tons of clean-up, which is always harder the second or third year than at the beginning. I have many, many reservations on the bill generally and don’t think it cannot be cleaned up but for a rewrite. But they didn’t care about that either. For a state that is independent, local control, and willing to do things different, this bill flew in the face of all that. It centralized power, removed local stakeholders, consolidated processes, ignored processes, and all at the same time wildly underfunded. I hope I am wrong, but I think it will get worse before it gets better.

Other bills were introduced too late and didn’t get too far. Others passed through unmarred and become clarifying law. The updates of bankruptcy related law all seem to have failed. But we will try again next year. Too bad it does not pay, it is hard doing all this on your own dime and sacrificing your gainful employment.

We were able to do lunch with our local Representative Clay Handy and visit with Representative Doug Pickett. Senator Kelly Anthon was kind enough to introduce us and welcome us from the Senate floor. We were unable otherwise to meet up with him.

Idaho is still small. I hope we do not lose the small state legislature, the gentleman’s creed, and the ability to do business. Please like Brandon keep hope in government when it is sometimes hard to keep hope in such a process.

by

Richmond 1968

Sandy and Jackie Jonas, 142 State St, Richmond, Utah, 1968

I stumbled on this photo working through and scanning more photos from my Aunt Jackie. This may be the only color photo I have of my Mom in Richmond. That was the first thing that jumped out at me. I believe most of the photos from Richmond are black and white. The photo indicates it was developed in January 1969, which tells me it is from 1968. Good chance it is later in the summer or fall, trees, grass, and shrubs are in full greenery and there appears to be dead grass clippings on the sidewalk.

1968 would also put my Mom at 14 years old, Jackie at 8. Which could very well be. I would be somewhat tempted to suggest 1967. That same year they moved to 2652 Fairmont Avenue in Burley, Idaho. I have written about that move before. But that post also has a photo of Jackie very early on as well that appears to be similar age. Here is that photo again.

Jackie Jonas dancing on Fairmont Ave

Either way, the photo of my Mom about 14 caught my attention. I thought I would share it here to give it some context.

by

Yellowstone 2020

In 2020, the Ross Family took a trip through the Pacific Northwest. Our first stop was the world’s first National Park, Yellowstone! We left Burley, Idaho about noon and headed out for a longer than week road trip.

Hiram and Aliza Ross at Grand Prismatic Spring, 31 July 2020
Aliza, Lillian, Hiram, and James Ross waiting for Old Faithful, 31 July 2020

We arrived for Old Faithful, but it was going to be another hour, so we wandered Geyser Basin to kill some time.

Castle Geyser, 31 July 2020
We took the Upper Geyser Basin Trail and Upper Geyser Hill Trail

Old Faithful proved true to her name!

Aliza, Hiram, Lillie, and Amanda Ross with Old Faithful in the background, 31 July 2020

That night we stayed in Lake Village.

Mud Volcano is a popular stop and one I remember as a kid, 1 August 2020
Aliza, James, Lillie, and Paul Ross at Dragons Mouth Spring, 1 August 2020
Bison Herd at Yellowstone, 1 August 2020
The world famous Lower Falls in Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, 1 August 2020
Even a selfie, Paul, Amanda, Aliza, Hiram, and James Ross, 1 August 2020
Another picture of the Yellowstone Grand Canyon from further down stream, you can see the top of the Lower Falls, 1 August 2020
James, Amanda, Lillie, Aliza, and Hiram Ross at Mammoth Hot Spring, 1 August 2020

Hiram Ross at Mammoth Hot Spring, 1 August 2020
Mammoth Hot Spring, Yellowstone National Park, 1 August 2020

The kids were worn out after a long day and we were then spending the night in Bozeman, Montana. We made our trip out of the park and to Montana to the C’mon Inn where we crashed for the night. The kids liked the Coy.

Aliza and Lillian Ross watching fish in Bozeman, Montana

You can read out about our visit the next day to the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman.