Arthur Ray Jolley

Arthur "Ray" Jolley passed away peacefully on December 29,2025 at the age of 90. He was a long-time resident of Northern Colorado. Ray was a devoted member of the LDS Church, member of the Owl Creek Ward, Eaton, CO.

Ray was born on August 10, 1935, in Eureka, Utah to Malcolm Arthur Jolley and Fay Stewart Jolley. He was the oldest of 5 boys. Raised on the family ranch he experienced and loved ranch life. He attended Payson High School, BYU and UCLA, where he played football, and earned a degree in Business from UCLA.

He proudly served the Los Angeles Police Department before working with American Wilderness Wildlife Motion Picture Films, and participated in the capture of "Alaskan White Fury", the largest polar bear ever recorded at that time. He began a long career as a Broker Associate in Real Estate specializing in new home sales. 1982 brought changes in his life and he moved to Montrose, CO where he was employed by Turner Automotive as a Sales Representative. By chance, he met Cherise Thrift, and they were married on July 30, 1983 on top of Grand Mesa at the Baron Lake Chapel, Delta County, Colorado. The event brought together many family members from various states. They shared a life centered on raising horses, llamas and alpacas, always enjoying the work together.

Ray was known as a hardworking man who loved to spend time with nature. He enjoyed gardening, camping, hiking, fishing and sharing his experiences. He loved his family with special appreciation.

Ray is survived by his wife, Cherise Thrift-Jolley; his children, Cathy (Rod), Rick; daughter in law, Tanya (deceased Jeffray); step daughters, Lisa (Matt), Nicole (Steve); his siblings, Jerry (Sheila), Dean (Celia), Stewart (Verla), Darrell (Cora); along with 10 grandchildren, multiple great grandchildren and 4 step grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm and Fay Jolley, and his beloved son, Jeffray Jolley.

Ray will be missed by many family and friends!