James G. Tolle

James G. Tolle, 85, died on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Libby Care Center.

He was born on Feb. 14, 1937 in Ohio to James and Alice Tolle.

How did a young man from Ohio and a Bonners Ferry lady story begin?

James G. Tolle was stationed at the Air Force Radar Base in the Yaak in 1955. He went to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, with his friends to have some fun and that is where he met the dream girl of his life, Maryann Rose Eby.

They dated and eventually married in May 1956. Jim (as his friends called him) was in the Air Force for 7 years. When he got out of the service, the whole family of 6 moved to Libby, Montana, where they lived until 1977. They did come back later to the town they loved and to their friends and family.

Jim worked at the mill and later on Maryann worked at the mill with him.

When they left the mill they bought the Standard Gas Station in Libby. After that they owned the new Chevron Station in town and the one up Highway 37.

Besides working hard, Maryann was a 4-H leader for a while. She did canning, lots of home cooking and always enjoying time with family and friends.

Jim built for his family in Libby three different homes. He would come home from work and then work on the house he was building until dark. Maryann would help and their sons also helped him a lot.

In 1977 they sold out and tried new careers in owning dairies in Washington state and Minnesota, they even owned an 18-wheeler and went trucking for a few years. When they retired from dairy work, they moved back to Libby and became tree thinners.

Later they added road brushing to their resume. Their son, Jim, worked with them for a while. When not working, they enjoyed going hunting, fishing, huckleberry picking and camping with family and friends.

Maryann died on Feb. 22, 2022 and Jim followed her on June 4, 2022.

They were preceded in death by their son, Gary. Gary left behind (wife) Tracie, (son) Micheal and (daughter) Kylee.

WE their children miss them dearly daily. They are survived by children Jo Ann and Vernon Drake; Jim and Eileen Tolle; and Cindy Boyer; 8 grand kids, 14 great grandkids and 9 great-great grandkids will also miss their love and tender caring hugs and smiles; a lifelong loved friend and considered part of the family, Annie Wright misses them dearly.

A huge thank you goes out to all who made their last days as comfortable as possible. Mom and dad did not wish to have any services. May God bless all.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.