Eleanor Virginia Volle

 Eleanor Virginia Volle passed from this life into the presence of Jesus on Sept. 15, 2023, surrounded by family. 

 Eleanor was born Nov. 25, 1937 in New Meadows, Idaho to Thomas and Sarah (Wallace) Hubbard. The youngest of seven children, she was raised in New Meadows until the age of 9. 

 While they grew up very poor, the stories and memories shared were of happy childhood adventures. They often reminisced of lining up on the work horse and riding to school in the snow. In good weather, they walked the few miles to town, and in places it really was uphill both ways.

 The family moved to the Hubbard ranch in Cambridge, Idaho in 1946.

 Eleanor was behind in school but quickly caught up and excelled graduating in the top of her class from Cambridge High School in 1955.

 Eleanor married Joe Summers June 9, 1959, moving to Montana where they had two sons Michael Ben and Gregory Lee. After she and Joe divorced, she moved to Boise, Idaho where she worked in the offices for Albertson’s. 

 Eleanor was introduced to George Volle by her sister Eva Wiggins. They were married Feb. 26, 1971 in Winnemucca, Nev. Together they had one son Douglas Aaron. 

 She and George raised their family and shared a life together for 34 years on the Volle ranch in Cambridge Idaho.

 As a ranch wife and mom, there was always something to do. Farming, working cattle, and as the kids grew, they were busy with FFA, sports, and other school activities. She always grew a big garden, canning and freezing the harvest. Hard work was an accepted fact of life, everyone knew the worst thing to say in her presence was “I’m bored.” But they made time for play too. Swimming, camping, and vacations to Disneyland with George and the kids and again years later with her boys, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

 Eleanor appreciated quality. When she couldn’t find it, she made it. She was a talented seamstress, whether quilting, designing or simply patching clothes. She refinished and reupholstered furniture. She was an excellent cook and had the gift of hospitality. Family and friends, neighbor kids or hired men, if you showed up at her door, you went home well fed. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, she created the place that everyone wanted to come home to.

 Eleanor loved puzzles and games. Kids young and old spent hours with Eleanor and Edna playing Pictionary, dominoes, and doing jigsaw puzzles. She gave tips and shared strategy, but did not believe in letting children win, “that’s not real life.”

 She had a sharp mind, quick wit, and enjoyed a good debate. You didn’t have to agree, but be prepared to defend your opinion. She gave advice whether you wanted it or not, but it usually came in handy later. 

 With these qualities and habits, she raised her boys and influenced her grandkids, nieces, and nephews to play to win and to be a good loser. To know your own mind, express yourself and stand up for what you believe. And to put down your phone and enjoy time with one another. 

 She was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

 She was preceded in death by her husband George, youngest son Doug and siblings Mary, Rose, Eva, Mildred, and Tommy.

 Eleanor is survived by sons Mike and Angel Summers of Cambridge, Idaho and Greg and Lisa Summers of Gooding, Idaho, daughter-in-law Sherry Volle of Nampa, Idaho. Grandchildren Matt (Kathy), Ryan, Samantha (Nick), Whitney (Adam), Justin (Chelsey), Kristin (Luke) and Alex (Talor). Great-grandchildren Gabe, Jemma, Cache, Ace, Addie, Arlo, Skylar, Paisley, and Isla (12/23). Sister and friend Edna Rayson of Granbury, Tex., and her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She had a special bond with her nephew Ralph Graham and niece Kathie Gladhart.

 At Eleanor’s request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Cambridge Fire and Ambulance, P.O. Box 187, Cambridge, ID 83610.