Jole Straley Dillard

Jole passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 in Chandler, Arizona and was surrounded by the love and prayers of her family and a dear friend.  Over the past several years, Jole met many health challenges related to her Lupus diagnosis in 2018.  She faced each challenge with strength and determination.  She continued to care for her children and her home in Reno, Nevada as she persevered through her illness.  In the end, she was granted the peace she needed from her difficult journey.

Jole is survived by her five children: Jade, Tanner, and Holly Teserio , Felicia and Gabriella Dillard, her sister Rachel (Shawn) Daffara and her father Neil "Spike" (Theresa) Straley. She was preceded in death by her mother, Claire Straley (2006).

Jole grew up in Tempe where she developed many lifelong friendships with her peers in school.  Jole graduated in 1990 from Marcos de Niza High School and then attended Northern Arizona University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in education.  Following graduation, she moved to Reno, Nevada which was home for the past 28 years.  Jole worked in sales for Macy's and then ADT Security.  She left the retail sales industry to provide a home for her children that was filled with love and care.

In her years as a homemaker, she found several personal interests that she pursued.  Jole was a reflective person who was often making lists of ideas for things to improve to be more efficient/effective.  She was a master of attempting to declutter and find the "JOY" not necessarily in things but in experiences with those she loved.  Despite the extensive clutter of Tupperware in her home as a child she found "JOY" in Tupperware as an adult.  She loved the products and loved to help her friends and family get a deal on the Tupperware they wanted.  It brought her "JOY" to share her passion with others.  Jole was a very friendly person who sought to make connections through simple acts of kindness such as a smile or a conversation.  She gave these willingly to new people she met and to her old friends.  When she was thinking of a person she connected with, Jole reached out with a phone call, text message, or personalized quick-response emoji to let them know they were in her heart and on her mind.  While Jole was all about  finding and sharing "JOY", for others, she was the source of "JOY" for so many friends and family members.  She will certainly be missed by all who knew her.

The Rite of Committal will be held on April 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. near the St Anne niche garden at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery 1562 East Baseline Road, Mesa, Arizona 85204.  A celebration of life will follow the committal service.

Over the past few years, Jole spent a great deal of time at her local library; she loved to read and craft.  Trips to the library brought her "JOY" as she spent hours with her youngest daughters learning different crafting skills and making gifts for others.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Jole's name to the Spanish Springs library branch where Jole found "Joy".  Donations can be made in person or by mail.

Washoe County Library System, 7100A Pyramid Way, Sparks, Nevada 89436  (Please specify "Spanish Springs Branch" on memo line of checks)