Jay Hunt Hulet left this earthly existence on June 26, 2007, at the age of 85 following an extended illness. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him the best. Jay was born in Peterson, Morgan County, Utah on Nov. 18, 1921. He was the third child of John Silas Hulet and Nancy Elva Hunt. He was active in Boy Scouts, and in 1935 rode horseback in the Diamond Jubilee of the Pony Express that carried mail across the west central part of the United States. For his service he received a silver medallion presented by the Oregon Trail Memorial Association. Jay served in the Army 67th Armored Infantry Battalion - 13th Armored Division during World War II in the European Theatre. He was a mechanic, repairing trucks and equipment during his tour of duty. Jay married Gertrude Elizabeth Gehring on June 13, 1943, in Hollywood, Calif. Jay and Gertrude were sealed for time and eternity on Feb. 19, 1960, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Jay farmed in American Falls, Idaho, for 20 years and was the first farmer in the area to utilize deep wells for irrigation. The family moved to Murphy, Idaho, in 1967 where he farmed until his health prevented him from continuing the work he loved. He raised wheat, sugar beets, and potatoes. Additionally, he constructed two earthen dams to help with the irrigation on the Murphy Flat Farm. His life's work and hobby was farming, and he taught his family the value of hard work. He was instrumental in making the desert blossom into a rose in the American Falls area and on Murphy Flats. Dad loved to farm, read, and liked to travel after he was convinced it was okay to leave the farm for awhile. Jay is survived by his wife, Gertrude, their six children and spouses, Barbara (Don) Hartley of Murphy, Idaho; Marilyn (Sid) Allen of American Falls, Idaho; Janice Rudeen of Columbia, Mo.; Linda (Mike) Ihli of Kuna, Idaho; Marcia Hulet of Fruitland, Idaho; and Blaine (Yvonne) Hulet of Murphy, Idaho; 15 grandchildren and 13 great- grandchildren. One grandson preceded him in death. Jay was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many capacities. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints-Melba First Ward Humanitarian Aid Fund in care of Bishop Greg Hunter, 112 Randolph, Melba, Idaho 83641 or the Melba Valley Senior Center, 115 Baseline Road, Melba, Idaho 83641. The family expresses their thanks for the kind care given at Grace Assisted Living in Nampa and the Hospice care of Family Home Health. A viewing will be held on Sunday, July 1 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Zeyer Funeral Chapel located at 83 N. Midland Boulevard in Nampa, Idaho. A viewing will also be held on Monday, July 2 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Melba LDS Chapel located at 112 Randolph in Melba, Idaho, followed by the funeral services beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will be at the Melba Cemetery.
Published in the Idaho Statesman from 6/29/2007 - 6/30/2007.