Antonia "Toni" Bolton

Antonia "Toni" Bolton, 93, passed away peacefully August 27, 2015 in her home with her dear daughter, Le-Anne, and lovely Leni by her side.

She was born February 13, 1922 in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Slovenian immigrants, Rudolph and Antonia (Hafner) Dolence. She was the first child in the family along with four brothers; Rudy, Stanley, John & Joe.

She grew up in Rock Springs helping her parents care for her younger twin brothers, especially Joe, who was always on her hip. She would rent little cabins to travelers while her mom hand-washed, hot-pressed the bed sheets, cleaned and prepped the rooms. Her dad worked in the coal mines and ran a small little gas station. He also made his Slovenian staples; Klebasa, blood sausage & his vino to sell or trade. Toni spoke only Slovenian, but she would smile and say "one dollar, please", often times trading a good night's rest for a bushel of fruit to feed the family.

She always had a soft spot for all her brothers. She would slip them a little change from the cash drawer so they could go buy penny candy.  She would take the reprimands for the misuse of funds, then save her own money to pay back the family business.

After graduating high school, she continued helping her folks while working as a clerk at Safeway. In late 1946, she met the love of her life, LeGrande "Lee" Bolton on a blind date and  were later married in February 1947.They moved to SLC immediately after the ceremony as Toni couldn't take the dust and dirt any longer.

Lee's employment transferred them to Pueblo, Colorado where they were blessed with their 12 day old adopted daughter, Le-Anne. Their lif was never the same after that.

Toni was the rock; maintaining and managing beautiful family homes in Clearfield, Utah, Union City and Livermore, Ca., while Lee traveled the interstates and Le-Anne traveled the world. From every family member to friends & acquaintances, one always knew they held a special place in Toni's heart and home alike, always welcome and loved.

In 1976, Toni’s father died and the family  a moved to  Hoback,  south of Jackson Hole, Wy. to care for her mother. During this time, she excelled to become the "champion fisherwoman" of the Hoback, with every spare moment spent down along the river. She was a fabulous cook and baker of cookies, cakes, breads and was famous for her Apple pies. She would sometimes raise over $500.00 for just one pie at the annual local fire dept. auctions. She was a creative pen & ink drawing, watercolor artist with a passion for photography and  pressed flowers resulting in numerous awards, recognitions and blue ribbons.

Toni and Lee took many a trips to visit loved ones and see the world, including a special family trip back to the old country staying with family while traveling the Yugoslavian region and Europe, as well.

One of the greatest experiences of her life was when she participated in the birth of her one and only Grandson in Kentucky. Her heart only grew bigger with love and affection for their most cherished grandson, who was by their side throughout their lives.

After her Mother's death, to be closer to Le-Anne and her family, Toni and Lee purchased their last home in Victor, ID. in 1992, where their lives were even further enriched by a loving & caring neighborhood community. Here (as in every other home they ever lived in over their lifetime), they took special pride in landscaping and maintaining one of the most beautiful lawns and gardens in the valley.

Toni was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints fulfilling several callings. In 1998, Toni and Lee were married and sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple for all time and all eternity. In the later years, she especially loved the special prayers shared with the elder church boys when they came to her home to offer the sacrament.

Toni was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She was a strong woman with an insatiable spirit for living. Even though she was riddled with intense pain most of her later years, she was unstoppable in caring for her darling, Lee, maintaining her home and enjoying family excursions and get-togethers. Her mission in life was to care for others, especially her family, giving always her best abilities to do the best job possible.

Toni was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lee, her brothers, Stan & John and numerous nieces and nephews.

Toni is survived and dearly missed by  her daughter. Le-Anne and  husband, Vern Lewis, grandson Brandon, brothers Rudy and Joe, several sister-in-laws, our Leni and a multitude of nephews and nieces.

67 years together and over 2 years apart, just imagine the reunion now taking place! Lee is truly in Heaven with his sweetheart by his side.

Funeral services will be held in the Victor LDS Church on  Sept. 8, 2015 at 10:00 am. With a visitation from 9 to 9:45 prior to the funeral.

Internment will be in Paris, ID. cemetery next to Lee, with a beautiful view of Bear Lake at 3:00 pm. the same day.

In lieu of memorial flowers, please give generously your attention and care, as well as flowers, to someone in need of warm hugs and smiles.