Kenneth Jolley

Kenneth Staheli Jolley, 88, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, August 18th, 2025, after battling a broken femur which led to hospital and rehab stays. He was born January 18, 1937, the coldest day on record, to Marion and Sylvia Staheli Jolley in St. George, Utah.

Ken grew up in Washington, Utah on the "Jolley Block" and always had several cousins from both the Jolley and Staheli sides to hang out with. He had many fond memories growing up and living in Washington. He helped his mom garden at a very young age and grew a variety of vegetables for multiple years. Ken also helped his dad on the family farm hauling hay, raising cows, sheep, chickens and birds. He was raised to be a very hard worker. He loved hunting with his dad, uncles, cousins, nephews, friends, and especially his sons and grandsons. For the last several years he enjoyed going to the farm to care for his dogs, cows, exotic pheasants, turkeys and chickens.

His first love was Janet Hafen. They were married in the St. George Temple on June 3, 1960. They were blessed with three sons: Troy, Scott and Todd, and a daughter, Susan. They built a home on the "Jolley Block," which was an ideal place to raise their family.

Kenneth taught school for 35 years and touched the lives of countless students that he now refers to as friends. Many former students to this day will say, "Mr. Jolley was my favorite teacher." He received his master's degree at Northern Arizona University. He started the Hershey Track Meet in the schools in Washington County and enjoyed being over this program for several years. Ken drove a fuel truck for DATS and worked at an ice company during the summers. He also served in the National Guard for numerous years.

Ken served on the Washinton City Counsel for almost a decade and helped create and was a member of the Washinton City Lions Club, where he served as secretary for many years. He helped in making the town's 4th of July celebrations something for the entire community to cherish and remember.

Kenneth married Susan Leavitt December 31, 1987, and they were later sealed in the St. George Temple on Valentine's Day.

Ken volunteered his time to Dixie College when Hansen Stadium was first built, running the clock for the football games. He also kept the books for the college basketball games and helped with many baseball games as well. Ken was inducted in the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. He was an exceptional athlete and enjoyed playing and watching all sports. He has traveled endless miles over the years to watch his kids, grandkids and great grandkids play ball.

Ken is survived by his wife, Sue; his children: Troy Jolley (Stefanie), Scott Jolley (Trisha), Todd Jolley (Andrea), and Susan Gates (Travis); stepson: Brett Barrett (Isabel); 22 grandkids, 48 great grandkids; his sister Evelyn Worthington, and sister-in-law Fawn Jolley. He is preceded in death by his parents, older brother, Benny and sister Phyllis, and Sue's sons Chad and Kirk Barrett.

There will be a viewing on Sunday, August 24 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Spilsbury Mortuary located at 110 South Bluff Street in St. George, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 25 at 11:00am, with a viewing prior from 9:30am-10:30am at the St. James Chapel on 1095 St. James Lane in St. George. Interment will be held at the Washington City Cemetery located at 300 Park View Dr., Washington, Utah.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

In lieu of flowers, donate to your favorite charity.

Friends and family are invited to sign Ken's online guest book at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com