Julia Jane (Swayne) Hyslop

Julia Jane Swayne Hyslop, 96, was born in Melba, Idaho, on September 6, 1923, the third of five daughters born to Samuel Arthur and Bertha Valerie Swayne. The young family moved from Melba to Nampa, Idaho, in 1924.

Bertha died when Julie was four years old. Samuel’s mother and sister aided Samuel in raising his daughters. Samuel’s love for his daughters now transcends four generations. Julie told us, “any love I have been able to assure my family originated within me from my father.”

After a joyful childhood in a close-knit neighborhood in Nampa, Julie graduated Nampa High School in 1940. She attended the University of Oregon for two years prior to marrying L. Douglas Hyslop, Jr., in 1943. Julie and Doug were blessed with four children: Julie Ann Hanson, Lynn Douglas, Sr., James Swayne, and Sara Cornelia Miller.  Her family is confident that she achieved her life’s three major intentions: to be a good wife, to raise her children in love, and to serve the Lord as He intended.  While achieving those things, she tirelessly pursued many interests.

Julie affectionately remembered her father driving his daughters to Silver City.  She always had a keen interest in Owyhee County history, especially Silver City. She and her husband, Doug, bought the former Miners Union hospital building in Silver City in 1954 and enjoyed being there as much as possible.  Julie was a board member of the homeowners association and its secretary for several terms.

For many years she researched history and land deed books at the Idaho State Historical Museum. From that study, she became a reliable Silver City historian and ultimately published the series of three history volumes titled “The Foundations of Silver City.”

Julie was a founding member of the Owyhee County Historical Society and became its first museum director. She attended museum conferences so that she could better guide Owyhee County’s museum.  During her 18 years as director, the museum expanded into its third building and garnered several state and national awards.  She strongly encouraged and led the printing of Owyhee County history via the society’s Owyhee Outpost Journal for 48 annual issues.  In recent years, she served on the Society’s Board and volunteered weekly to accession photographs into the archives collection.  Julie was a long time member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Julie also served as a commissioner on the Canyon County Planning & Zoning board for several terms.

Julie’s father, Dr. Samuel Swayne, bought the Walters Ferry property on the Snake River in 1927.  In recent years, Julie served on the Board of Directors of the Sam and Cleo Swayne Charitable Trust, which administers the museums and nature trail, which are open to the public year-round.

Julie and Doug Hyslop enjoyed square dancing for 42 years and were members and leaders in several clubs.  Julie enjoyed filling in a square when someone needed a rest, and could dance well in either the man or woman’s dance position. Through square dancing, the couple developed friendships all over Idaho.

Julie enjoyed the last decade of her life with her daughter, Sara, and son-in-law, David Miller, living next door and attending events and church together. Julie was a member of the Nampa Brethren Church and served on its Board and ministry committee.  As age limited her activities, she still loved to attend church on Sunday and join Prayer Time on Monday. She lived as a disciple of Jesus from her baptism as a young girl, and she loved to share each new lesson she learned.

Julie loved reading to the very end of her life. She liked to alternate between reading a ‘good for you’ non-fiction book, followed by fiction, and loved to discuss books with friends and family.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Doug, her four sisters, Cornelia, Rachel, Phyllis, and Virginia, and her son, Lynn. She is survived by her daughter, Julie Ann (Ron) Hanson and their children: David (Pamela) Hanson, Tia Hanson, and Sara Hanson; her daughter-in-law, Nancy (Lynn) Hyslop and their children: Dawn (Brian) Vezzoso, Lynn Douglas (Julie) Hyslop Jr., and Ted (Terra) Hyslop; her son, Jim (Jan) and their children: Penelope Hyslop (Eric Cassady), Chad (Courtney) Hyslop and Jesse Hyslop; and her daughter, Sara (David) Miller and their children: Stephen (Kathy) Miller, and Hannah (Kathy) Wilder. Julie enjoyed her 12 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

There will be a viewing Thursday, November 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, Nampa, Idaho.

Private burial at Kohlerlawn Cemetery will precede a memorial service at the Nampa Church of the Brethren at 11030 Orchard Ave., Nampa, ID, 83651, at 11 o’clock on Friday, November 8, 2019.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Owyhee County Historical Society at 17085 Basey Street, Murphy, ID, 83650.

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