Rick Jason Boley, 45 years old, of rural Hillsboro, passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family, who held his hands and told him he was loved beyond measure- and he died knowing he truly was. Not far away was Rick’s faithful furry, companion, Ellie, who rarely left Rick’s side since they had adopted her.
Rick was born on January 9, 1978, to David and Sandy (Kerr) Boley. As a little boy, Rick loved spending time with his grandpa, Hillis Kerr at his Phillips 66 Gas Station in Farmington and following his grandpa, Dale Boley, around the farm. It is no wonder that he chose diesel mechanics and farming for his future! Rick graduated from Harmony High School in 1996 and from Indian Hills Community College in 1998. He worked for JJ Nitching Company for 13 years before opening his own business. With Rick’s incredible work ethic, Boley Repair quickly became a successful business.
Rick married his high school sweetheart, Heather (Taylor) Boley on June 26, 1999. Heather was six months older than Rick and he enjoyed teasing her about their age difference for the next 24 years. Together, Rick and Heather welcomed three beautiful daughters, Jaelyn, Kaedyn and Adisyn all of whom brought him endless joy; he took immense pride in his daughters and considered them his greatest accomplishments. Rick could often be seen proudly watching his girls from the sidelines or bleachers at softball, basketball, and volleyball games.
Rick’s looming stature, gentle, deep voice, warm smile and charming personality made him both memorable and loved by those who were blessed to know him. He had a vast knowledge of farming, cows and diesel mechanics, but it was his perspective about life in general that made him both easy and enjoyable to talk with. Rick had an incredible, witty and often sarcastic sense of humor and often took great pleasure in coming up with funny nick names for people and playfully teasing his loved ones. Over the years, coercing Rick into vacations was not always easy; he hated to leave the farm for any amount of time and he had a hard and fast rule he tried to live by: “never go to the same place more than once,” because he knew there were so many beautiful places yet to be seen.
In 2019, with immense courage, Rick faced a diagnosis of ALS and did everything possible to slow the progression of the disease to allow him more time with his family. He never wavered in his commitment to fight the debilitating disease as it progressed despite the pain he would endure both physically and emotionally.
They say that life is made up of two dates and a dash and that you should always make the most of the dash. Rick absolutely did!
Rick is survived by his wife, Heather; daughters Jaelyn, Kaedyn and Adisyn; his parents, David and Sandy Boley, brothers Brian (Susan) and Christopher Boley (Libby) ; brother-in-law, Jason (Natalie) Taylor; mother-in-law, Carol Taylor; nephews, Justin and Mason Boley; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Rick was predeceased by his grandparents, Hillis and Joan Kerr, Dale and Verda Boley; and his father-in-law, Larry Taylor.
Rick’s family is incredibly thankful for the wonderful care he received from Every Step Hospice and for standing by his decision to remain in his home, in the care of his family and to the multitudes of friends and family members that sent meals, offered prayers and provided a few hours of respite. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations go to Rick’s three daughters to be used for their education. Cards may be sent to 32564 165th St, Hillsboro.
A memorial service will be held at Hillsboro Baptist Church on Sunday, July 9th at 1pm. The family invites all friends to attend a casual celebration of life from 3-5 pm at the Hotel Manning in Keosauqua, following the memorial service.
On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com. Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements.