Willis "Bill" Bartholomew

Willis Vay "Bill" Bartholomew, 88, died Thursday March 16, 2017 at his home in Jerome, Idaho, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born June 17, 1928 in Jerome, Idaho to Leamon Hugh and Hattie Belle Bartholomew. He lived his whole life in Jerome, within four miles of the house he was born.

Bill attended school and graduated in Jerome. He met Norma Anderson in Jerome and they were married February 5, 1954. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. They had four children, Kent, Kellee, Rocky, and Joani.

Bill worked at IDA Gem until its closing and then worked at Lamb Weston until his retirement. Bill was known for his magnificent flower gardens. His dahlias were award winning flowers. He had a green thumb and many of the very large trees in Jerome and surrounding areas were planted by him many years ago.

He was a family man and was active in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and extended family. Bill was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many callings and served for many years. He proudly served as a Staff Sergeant in the National Guard. He loved parades and always stood for the flag bearers and displayed the American flag at his home.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Arlayne (Ted) Andrus and Bernadine (Vern) Miller.

He is survived by his wife, Norma Bartholomew; children, Kent (Kathy) Bartholomew; Kellee (Dave) Traughber; Rocky (Lynette) Bartholomew; and Joani (Larry) Jackson; sisters, Dorothy Ambrose and Jeanne Altman; brother, ML Bartholomew; 21 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Friday, March 24, 2017 at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S Lincoln, Jerome. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jerome 1st and 3rd Ward Chapel, 825 East Avenue B, with viewing an hour prior to service. Grave dedication will conclude at Jerome Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Bill's memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.