O. Jay Buhler of Filer, Idaho, returned to his Heavenly Father on Monday, Aug. 13, 2012, at the age of 91. He passed away peacefully in his home with his beloved wife of 71 years at his side.

Jay was born Sept. 10, 1920, on a ranch near Bern, Idaho, to Christian Buhler Jr. and Mabel Kunz. He spent most of his youth on his family ranch, where he learned the importance of hard work. He graduated from Montpelier High School and attended Idaho State University for two years.

Jay married Frances Ormond on Sept. 24, 1941, after a brief courtship. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on Nov. 24, 1941. They moved to Bern, Idaho, and purchased a farm while Jay worked as a brakeman for Union Pacific. Jay relocated to Bennington, Idaho, where he taught school and then began his long insurance career in Portland, Ore. Jay gave up everything and started over in his insurance career when he moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, in 1960 to start Buhler Insurance Agency, which he owned for 50 years until he fully retired in 2010.

Jay loved fishing, hunting and professional sports. He was a huge fan of the Utah Jazz and followed them closely. He loved to tell stories and make everyone smile. Jay did not know what a stranger was and could carry on a conversation with anyone and leave knowing he had made another friend. Jay was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a Primary teacher, high priest group leader, high council member, ward missionary and a full-time missionary to Jackpot, Nev.

Jay is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Frances Ormond Buhler of Filer; two sisters, Barbara and Sandra; and two daughters, Ellen Fischer (Jim) of Phoenix, Ariz., and Linda Dorgan of Twin Falls. He also is survived by many wonderful grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Jay was preceded in death by six brothers, Harold, Weldon, Howard, Russell, Ellis and Dale. He was also preceded by sons, Dennis Buhler and Twayne Buhler (Jeanine); and daughter, Elaine Holmes (Jack).

A viewing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road in Twin Falls. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Filer LDS Church. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held following the service at the Filer Cemetery.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to your favorite church or charity.

All services and arrangements are under the direction of the Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls.