Billy Jay Bishoff, 68, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 at his home.

He was born August 19, 1941 in Sugar City, Idaho to George Bishoff and Fern Crain Bishoff.
Bill had fond memories of his childhood and always enjoyed sharing stories of his grandparents Henry and Katherine Elizabeth Bishoff.

Bill graduated from Sugar Salem High School in 1959. Before being drafted to the US Army, Bill worked on his father's farm during the summer and at the sugar and potato warehouses in the winter. In 1963, Bill went to Fort Ord for Basic training, then to Fort Sil and Fort Lewis where he was a tank driver. Bill was honorably discharged in 1965.

Bill returned home from the Army and met his lovely wife, Emmaly Kay Whitmore. They were married on October 21, 1966 in Ashton, Idaho and lived in Teton, Idaho while starting a family.

In 1972, Bill and Kay begun farming in the Ashton area and eventually moved to Ashton in 1976. Bill and Kay were very good business partners and Bill was a successful farmer who rented and purchased farm ground. Bill truly loved farming and was excited each spring with the anticipation of the coming year. He enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie of the people he worked with in agriculture.

In 1988, Bill was honored when the Ashton Chamber of Commerce recognized him by nominating him for Outstanding Farmer/Rancher of the year.

Bill loved and treasured his family and his friends. He was a wonderful and proud grandfather. He enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and skiing. He also loved a good card game at the local watering hole.

Bill and Kay decided to retire from farming in 1995. They then spent their time in the southwest US in the winter and exploring Montana and Idaho in the summer. They even toured Europe together one summer. They enjoyed visiting and exploring the different locations their children lived as they pursued their careers. Every fall, Bill and Kay enjoyed hunting season when the family all came together.

Survivors include his son, Bill C. Bishoff and his wife, Jodi of Idaho Falls, Idaho; daughter, Brett Mary Webb and her husband Alexander of Meridian, Idaho; mother, Fern Bishoff of Sugar City, Idaho; granddaughter, Chloe Katlin Bishoff; grandson, Dylan Chase Bishoff; He was preceded in death by his wife Kay; father, George Bishoff and his brother, Ted Dean Bishoff..

Graveside services will be Saturday November 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pineview Cemetery in Ashton. Friends and Family can meet at the Ashton Community United Methodist Church after the services for family gathering. Arrangements are under the direction of Bert Flamm Mortuary.

The family would like to thank the wonderful people who have helped the Bishoff family through this time – Dr. Hancock and Becky Boyle and the entire staff at Teton Oncology, Dr. Dwayne Hansen, Dawn Egbert, and the Hospice Alliance.

Family requests in lieu of flowers please donate to Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Send your donations to the Ashton Methodist Church in memory of Billy Jay Bishoff.