Obituary of Kenny Ray Boller

Kenny Ray Boller (54) passed away October 14, 2016 at Benewah Community Hospital in St. Maries after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born the 6th of 7 children to Orville and Margene Boller on October 1, 1962 in Bonners Ferry, ID. In 1966 the family relocated to Fernwood, ID. Kenny played with his brothers and sisters, did chores, attended Upriver Elementary, rode bikes, and made lifelong friends in the tight knit community. He wrestled, played football, basketball, and baseball. His favorite childhood memories were his annual family reunions. He went to high school in St. Maries with the class of 1980; however decided at the age of 14 he would rather work and earn money, so he quit school and went to work for Crocker’s Cedar Mill. Later he went to work full-time for Emerald Creek Garnet, and eventually obtained his GED. At the age of 17, Kenny was injured in an automobile accident. He survived, despite having his back and head shattered, nerves injured beyond repair, and many other broken bones. He was told he would never walk or have children. Kenny didn’t take that lying down, and learned tricks in his wheel chair and how to walk on his hands until he was able to walk again. He also taught himself how to play guitar by ear. Kenny graduated from the Spokane Technical Institute, and a brief marriage produced two beautiful daughters, who he doted on. Kenny worked several jobs including as a tow truck operator and a body shop man in Oregon, Regulus Stud Mills, Inc., and Potlatch Corporation. He spent a majority of the 1990’s as a mechanic for Chase Chevrolet. In 1991 Kenny met the love of his life, Debra Hanley. The couple was married on September 10, 1994 at Cherry Bend Boat Park in St. Maries. When Kenny wasn’t working at Chase Chevrolet, he was building the family home out of a doublewide he had gutted. He would drop everything to help anyone if they had a question on their cars or needed help. Many people relied on his mechanic knowledge and trusted him. Family always came first with Kenny. He loved playing cards and other games, snowmobiling, four wheeling, hunting, and riding waverunners. He was always wheeling and dealing in cars and parts. After he became disabled, Kenny and Debra were blessed with twins in September 2000. He enjoyed his role as Mr. Mom taking care of the home and his children while his wife pursued her career at the title company. Kenny will be remembered for his sense of humor, willingness to help anyone, and his love for his family. Kenny is survived by his wife Debra and his youngest children Tabitha Constance and Trace David at the family home, daughters Emily Aliese Boller (David Wright) of St. Maries, ID and Kendra Margene (Brandon) Cox of Rochester, WA; brothers Rodney (Sheryl) Boller and Randie (Sharyn) Boller of St. Maries, ID, John (Marty Kinzer) Boller of Fernwood, ID; sisters Jackie (Lawrence) Derry of St. Maries, ID and Cheryl “Cookie” Boller of Spokane, WA; brother in-law Doug Hanley of Cataldo, ID; mother in-law Connie Hanley of St. Maries, ID. Also surviving are 1 grandchild, 1 grandchild on the way, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Orville and Margene Boller, brother Montie Boller, and father in-law David Hanley. Visitation is planned for Friday October 21, 2016 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturday October 22, 2016 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Hodge Funeral Home in St. Maries, ID. A memorial service will be Saturday October 22, 2016 2:00 pm at the Cormana Building in St. Maries, ID. A gathering of family and friends to share a meal will follow at the Cormana Building.