Juanita Boley

Juanita Mae Boley, 91, died peacefully at home Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, in Salina, Kan.

Juanita was the youngest of 10 siblings. On Aug. 11, 1930, she was born at home in rural Valley Falls, Kan., to John William Strawn and Luella Jane (Grahem) Strawn. Juanita married Louis Raphael Boley on June 17, 1953, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka. They were happily united in marriage for more than 65 years. He proceeded her in death. Together, they were blessed with five children: John Boley (Diana), Wakefield; Mark Boley (Connie), Concordia; Cindy Boley (Bennie), Myra Texas; Jay Boley (Deb), Meade; and Rex Boley, Mankato. Juanita was also a proud grandmother to 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

When Louis and Juanita returned to her family's farm, her dad would often stop working when he saw family come home. He would say, "There is always time for work, but you never have enough time with family." Juanita and Louis used this statement as the foundation to build their family. Juanita spent much of her life serving her family and others as a proud homemaker while her husband served in the Kansas National Guard. She valued the time she invested in her children in those primary years. When Louis retired, Juanita decided to return to work. She was employed at Cook Hardware in Eskridge, Kan., until it closed. She then accepted the head cook position at Eskridge Elementary School until her retirement. She liked to cook and often talked about her wonderful experiences with students and staff while working at Eskridge Elementary School.

Juanita enjoyed supporting her husband during his military service while they lived in Topeka and Eskridge; however, they decided to move to Ellsworth, Kan., to be closer to their grandchildren. When they moved to Ellsworth, Juanita enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren, cooking for others, being an active member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, Ellsworth County Senior Center, and Mutual Friends Investment Club. Juanita loved attending school functions of her grandchildren and helping with the Ellsworth Ag Department annual greenhouse plant sale. She was proud of her rural upbringing and enjoyed telling stories about growing up being part of a large family on a rural farm in Jackson County. She also shared stories of her high school years of playing girls basketball.

Juanita and Louis moved to Salina in 2013 to once again be closer to family. Juanita loved her family, driving in the county, gardening, taking care of her flowers, cooking, and Wednesday night dinners with grandchildren. Her cookie jar was always full of chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies! Grandkids could count on a full jar of M&M's and Skittles on top of the refrigerator. Juanita was a light in all her family and friends' lives and we are happy knowing she is at peace.

Her funeral will be Friday, Oct. 1, Sacred Heart Cathedral, 118 N. 9th St. Salina. Family will welcome visitors after the service in the Hall of Bishops. Burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please make Memorials to Ellsworth County Senior Center, Ashby House or Salina Catholic Charities.