Jerry Hovis

Burton Jeremiah Hovis, lovingly known as “Jerry”, of Ammon, ID, passed away on January 16, 2026, at the remarkable age of 98.

He was born on December 8, 1927, in Idaho Falls, ID, to Burton Luther Hovis and Nora Frances McGahan. Jerry was raised working on his father’s 40-acre farm in Menan, ID, where he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance that would guide him throughout his life. He attended Midway High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically, lettering in basketball and football.

In 1948, Jerry met the love of his life, Barbara Hebdon, at a church dance. After four years of courtship, they were married on September 17, 1952. Their marriage was later solemnized for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple in March of 1955. Jerry and Barbara shared 60 years of devoted marriage, built on faith, love, and partnership. Early in their marriage, they lived in Idaho Falls before purchasing land and building a home in Shelley, Idaho, in 1971. That home remained the center of their family life where they raised 3 children for 35 years before they later moved to Ammon, Idaho.

Jerry and Barbara shared a deep love of dancing and were well known for their service as ward, stake, and regional dance directors for many years. Jerry was a faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in numerous callings throughout his life. He served on the high council and later as a temple officiator, roles he fulfilled with dedication and quiet humility. In June of 2002, Jerry and Barbara were called to serve a mission in the Idaho Pocatello Mission office. Their two years of missionary service became one of the great highlights of their lives.

Professionally, Jerry was a highly successful and respected salesman. He worked for many years as a buyer for General Electric before founding his own company, DHRCO Distribution Company, in 1961. In 1982, he sold DHRCO to Pameco Corporation but remained with the company as a regional sales manager, helping guide its growth and expansion until his retirement.

Following Barbara’s passing, Jerry continued to live a full and meaningful life. He joined a golf group and enjoyed playing nine holes several times a week with his dear friends, Jim Flamm, Merlin Larsen, and Varsel Huntsman. In 2014, Jerry began making wooden toy cars for the Church Humanitarian Program, providing joy to children in third-world countries. During this same period, he taught himself how to knit and began donating handmade hats along with his toys—quiet acts of service that reflected his generous heart.

Jerry is survived by his children: daughter Lisa (Michael) Vargas of Spirit Lake, Idaho; son Jeff (Jan) Hovis of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and daughter Nanci (Richard) Bradley of Layton, Utah; along with 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery, 4600 South Yellowstone Highway. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road. Burial will be in the Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com