Robert Ray "Bob" Markley

1933 - 2024

Emmett - Robert Ray (Bob) Markley passed away in his home August 1st at the age of 91. Bob was born to Ray and Anna Marie (Hollyday) Markley in Toledo, Ohio, 1/4/33. He played football at Fremont Ross High School, where he began dating Sylvia (Toot) Huntzinger. Bob accepted a scholarship to play fullback at Virginia Tech, where he played for two seasons.

Bob and Toot's son Steve was born in 1953, followed by Robb in 1955, Leonard in 1958, and Carol in 1960. Their youngest son Mike was born in 1969. The family were caretakers of a campground at Green Creek recreation area campground and boat rental.

In 1973 Bob came across the March issue of National Geographic with the article High Stepping Idaho. Feeling the call of adventure and the Western lifestyle described in that article, Bob and Toot packed up their Chevy Suburban and three youngest children and moved to Idaho. Steve, Robb and their wives followed later.

Bob and his family first lived in Jerome. After a few months, they bought Sunbeam Resort, northeast of Stanley. During this time Bob earned his electrical license and started Markley Electric.

Resort management in the central Idaho mountains is a tough business. When it became clear they weren't going to be able to sustain the resort, Bob and Toot moved the family into a mining claim cabin on Slate Creek. They assisted friends at Robinson Bar Ranch as caretakers for a few years as well. In addition to running Markley Electric, Bob and Toot were active in starting the Sawtooth Interpretive Association.

In 1981, when the Thompson Creek molybdenum mine started, they moved to Challis to help with construction at the mine and in town. Bob served as Challis Mayor from 1991 to 1993, after which he and Toot moved to Spring Creek, Nevada, where he worked for Barrick Gold Mine and Len helped him build a home overlooking the Ruby mountains. In 1997, Bob retired, and he and Toot bought a 10-acre orchard west of Emmett. Bob and Toot loved to travel, and in 2000 they celebrated their 50th anniversary with family at Springfield Castle in Dromcollogher, Limerick County, Ireland.

They managed the Emmett property as a working orchard for several years. In 2014 they sold the property and moved into town.

Bob was known for his way with animals and was usually followed by something with four legs, whether it was a dog, cat, sheep, horse, pig, or goat. Bob loved football, especially the Boise State Broncos, and was a fan of any sport or musical performance featuring one of his kids or grandkids. He loved camping, hunting, and fishing. He could fix any appliance or vehicle with parts he probably had on hand. He was a natural teacher and enjoyed any opportunity to coach or instruct.

In retirement, Bob was active with Toot in the community, including as members of their church, in politics, and their book club. He was a voracious reader and in his later years, he found joy in books via the Idaho Commission for Library's Talking Book service.

Bob made it a conscious choice to avoid complaining. He rarely gave voice to anger or regret and laughed often. He asked thoughtful questions and paid generous compliments. His legacy is one of unfailing kindness, indefatigable curiosity, the relentless pursuit of adventure, and a deep unconditional love of family.

He is survived by his beloved wife Toot (Sylvia), daughter in-law Suzy of Boise, children Robb (Carleen) of New Plymouth, Len (Julie) of Emmett, Carol (Mike) Willard of Worland, Wyoming, Mike (Beth) of Boise, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his oldest son Steve (Suzy), grandchildren Christopher Markley and Missy Willard, his parents, and siblings.

The family plans a celebration of life on October 5th, 2 pm, at the Emmett United Methodist Church. Memorial gifts may be made to the Idaho Commission for Libraries or your local animal shelter.