Jolynne Nay

It is with full and heavy hearts that we share the passing of Jolynne Nay — a devoted wife, beloved mother, cherished grandmother, and a truly extraordinary woman. Jolynne returned to the mountains she loved on her 61st birthday, June 4, 2025, surrounded by her family and wrapped in the love she so freely gave throughout her life.

Jolynne was the heart and soul of her family. She shared a beautiful life with her husband and best friend, Burke Nay, and together they raised five children who carry her strength and kindness forward: Ashlee (Zachary) Lopez-Rodet, Brady (Aleia) Nay, Dillon (Melissa Tolley) Nay, Tanner (Oakley) Nay, and Tushar (Brynlee) Nay.

To her grandchildren — Brextyne Lopez, Morrison Nay-Rodet, Louie Jo Nay, A’laysha Tolley, Aayla Nay, and precious baby Nay expected this fall — she was more than a grandma. She was magic. Her home was a haven of warmth, stories, snuggles, and never ending love. Each moment spent with her was a memory in the making.

For over 30 years, Jolynne dedicated herself to a career in early childhood education, with a strong focus on loving her teachers and the little kids they taught. Shaping young minds and nurturing hearts, she adored getting to spend time with her teachers, coaching them on how to become better educators. She truly loved every moment spent in the classroom with the preschool kids. Her patience and compassion reached far beyond the classroom — she lived by example, teaching all who knew her how to love without limits, give without expectation, and stand strong with grace.

She found profound peace in nature, especially in the Tushar Mountains and her beloved hometown of Marysvale. Her garden was a work of love — a living tapestry of beauty and care, much like the life she cultivated with such intention. Whether planting flowers or lifting others, Jolynne’s hands were always busy making the world better.

“The mountains are calling and I must go” was a phrase close to her heart, and it now echoes through the peaks and paths she adored. She lives on in every mountain breeze, every blooming flower in her yard, and every quiet moment of awe in nature’s embrace.

A celebration of Jolynne’s life will be held on July 12, 2025, at 5 P.M. at the Crown Pointe Lodge in the Tushar Mountains, a place as beautiful as she was. All who knew and loved her are welcome to join in celebrating this remarkable woman. Though we miss her more than words can say, we find comfort in knowing her spirit now rests in the mountains she always called home.