LaVon Loosle Dalley

LaVon (“Bonnie) Loosle Dalley

LaVon Dalley, a resident of Rupert, Idaho since 1947, passed away peacefully at Highland Estates in Burley, Idaho June 2, 2019. She was born on November 22, 1921 in Clarkston, Utah, the second oldest of 11 children of Ruben O. and Sylvia Loosle. They later moved to Logan, Utah, but continued to own and run their farm in Clarkston.

Bonnie was a faithful member of the LDS Church. She married her lifelong partner, Arthur F Dalley M.D. in 1943, in the Little Church around the corner in New York City. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple by Arthur’s uncle, LDS Church President Ezra Taft Benson.

She is survived by three children: daughter, Diane (Jerry) Downs of Hazelton, Idaho, son Arthur II (Muriel Beckwith) Dalley of Brentwood, TN, daughter, Marcia (Arlo) Decker of New Plymouth, Idaho; three granddaughters; five grandsons; and six great grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother Jim Loosle, and two sisters, Winifred Christianson and Ruby Balls. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, three sisters, a son, Robert Brent; and two grandchildren.

Bonnie attended the LDS Business College and Utah State University. She was employed as a stenographer/typist at KSL Radio in Salt Lake City, preparing news copy for News Anchor Eric Sevareid. Bonnie moved to New York City to marry Arthur who was completing medical training at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Internship at the LDS Hospital brought them back to Salt Lake City followed by assignment to Elgin Air Force Base in Florida. At the end of the war they came to Rupert, where Arthur partnered with Dr Otto Moellmer.

While living in Rupert, Bonnie organized and served as leader for the American Association of University women of Southern Idaho, and later served on the Alumini Board of the Utah State University. In 1962 she founded and served as President of the Hospital Guild (“Pink Ladies”) for the Minidoka County Memorial Hospital. She continued to serve with that organization for decades.

After moving to southern Idaho, Arthur and Bonnie soon discovered Sun Valley and became avid snow skiers. Later they also became active on their tennis court. They enjoyed music, attending Community Concerts locally and driving to Salt Lake City for plays, symphony and opera. After Arthur’s retirement, they attended 21 Elderhostel Programs. For decades, Bonnie enjoyed hosting and participating in a bridge club with her Rupert Friends. She liked to keep up with local news, and always had a kind word to say about everyone.

Bonnie was a dedicated mother, and faced a special challenge raising their youngest son, Bob, who was in the vanguard of children diagnosed with autism. She was a meticulous homemaker and yard keeper.  She loved chocolate and took great pride in her home. Neighbors frequently saw her weeding her lawn at night by flashlight. Once a plumber servicing a toilet in her house asked if it was new. She said no. It was more than 50 years old. He asked if she has always cleaned the inside of the tank in addition to the bowl, to which she replied, “Doesn’t everyone?

The family would like to extend appreciation to the staff at Highland Estate and Harrison Hope Hospice.

A family service with be held at a later date. Under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary.  

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