Ann Denise Magnuson Conley, 89

“Ah Sweet Mystery of Life”

Written by Rida Johnson Young and Victor Herbert

Ah, sweet mystery of life

At last I’ve found thee

Ah, I know at last the secret of it all

All the longing, seeking, striving, waiting, yearning

The burning hopes, the joy and idle tears that fall

For ‘tis love and love alone, the world is seeking

And ‘tis love and love alone that can repay

‘Tis the answer, ‘tis the end and all of living

For it is love alone that rules for aye

Love and love alone, the world is seeking

For ‘tis love and love alone, that can repay

‘Tis the answer, ‘tis the end and all of living

For it is love alone that rules for aye

Ann Denise Magnuson Conley, lifelong resident of Wallace, Idaho, died on Friday, May 6, 2016. A model of her Catholic faith, she was mother of 10, grandmother to 27 and great-grandmother to eight. Her family and friends benefited from her love, her acceptance and her availability. Because she was so pleased with any visit or phone call she made ordinary days special. Her kindness was a blessing and a daily lesson.

Denise was born in 1926 in Wallace, Idaho, to Anne and Clifford Magnuson. That she was a high-school dropout was long a source of family pride. Because so many young men were away at World War II, the University of Idaho invited Idaho high school students for early admittance. So without finishing high school, Denise went to the University of Idaho at age 16 where she earned a B.S. in a pre-med program three years later at age 19. She was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. While doing graduate work she began dating a returning naval aviator, Don Conley, also from Wallace. Their relationship started as a secret since he was a hasher at the “Kappa” sorority house. Sorority girls were expressly forbidden to date the hashers. Eventually, their love became known, and they married in 1948. Between 1949 and 1970 they produced 10 children.

Once her children were grown, Denise became more active at St. Alphonsus Parish, leading RCIA training and serving as a Eucharistic Minister. She had a special tie to St. Gerard, the patron saint of expectant mothers, and she, Don, and son Tim made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. She loved babies. Her competitive nature emerged when watching her children and grandchildren play sports and during any game of requiring a strong memory and sharp intellect, such as Rummikub — which she would be certain to win.

She is survived by nine children, 27 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Her surviving children are Chris Conley (Pam) of Coeur d’Alene; Kasey McCargar (George) of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Connie Broughton (Dan Wittenberg) of Spokane, Wash.; Mary Herrera (Ignacio) of Morgan Hill, Calif.; Beth Conley (Bill Wilson) of Los Gatos, Calif.; Sally Norris (Rick) of Wallace; Jan Magnani (Jeff) of Palatine, Ill.; Jill Niehenke (Dennis) of Moscow, Idaho; and Tim Conley of Spokane.

Her husband of almost 67 years, Don, died in July 2015. In addition, she was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Clifford Magnuson and her son, Joseph Phillip Conley.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Kindred Mountain Valley Nursing Home for their care during Don and Denise’s last days.

A Rosary vigil will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 12, 2016, at St. Alphonsus’ Catholic Church in Wallace, Idaho. A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 13, 2016, also at St. Alphonsus with Father Jerome Montez serving as celebrant. Light refreshments will be served in the church fellowship hall after services.

One may sign Denise’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservices.com.

Shoshone Funeral Services and Crematory, Kellogg, is entrusted with arrangements.