Born: Saturday Dec-27-1930
Died: Monday Mar-17-2014
Funeral: Saturday Mar-22-2014

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Leon Alma Tilley, age 83, passed away surrounded by family Monday, March 17, 2014 after a prolonged battle with Esophageal cancer. Leon was born on December 27, 1930 in Burley, Idaho, the son of John W. Tilley and Rulla Marshall Tilley. He attended school in Burley. He married Bette Kaiser on February 9, 1952 in Burley. Together they had three children, Shawna, John, and Shelley. They divorced in 1997. Leon then married Ellen Henderson on June 1, 1999 in Ely, Nevada. Joining this union were Ellen’s children, Julie, Vickie, Marie and David. Leon enlisted in the United States Army post-World War II and spent time in Germany. He spent most of his years working in Mining as a general repairman and later as a maintenance foreman at Kennecott Copper Corporation. Leon enjoyed fishing, traveling, visiting and remaining in contact with all of his extended family, telling stories, playing cards and spending winters in Arizona. Leon is survived by his wife, Ellen Tilley of Rupert,his children, Shawna K Anderson of Twin Falls, ID, John (Margie) Tilley of Sandy, UT, and Shelley (Melvin) Pedersen of Burley, ID. He is also survived by stepchildren Julie (Clyde) Hardinger of Las Vegas, NV, Vickie Jensen of Shoshone, ID, Marie (Fidel) Alcala of Murtaugh ,ID, and David (Shauna) Henderson of Albany, NY, 26grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren; and his siblings,Merlene Crandall of Beaverton, OR, Corwyn (Melva) Tilley of Idaho Falls, ID, Ellis (Kay) Tilley of Boston, MA, Nyles (Merla) Tilley of Burley, ID, Irvin (Graciella) Tilley of Glenwood Springs, CO, Marsha (Rod) Lowder of El Mirage, AZ and Sister in Law Donna Tilley of McCammon, ID. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 infant granddaughters, 2 infant great-granddaughters, and siblings Ralph Tilley and Baby John Tilley. Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2014 at the Burley West Stake Center 2420 Parke Avenue, with Bishop Jeffery L. Harris officiating, urn placement will follow in the Paul Cemetery. Friends may call from 12:00 p.m. until 12:45 p.m. Saturday at the Church prior to the memorial service. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home & Crematory in Rupert. The family would like to thank the staff at Cassia Regional Medical Center and Dr. Boehmer for the care that they provided. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Burley or Rupert Senior Centers.