Lolietta Jones Gabiola

Lolietta “Bugs” Jones Gabiola

November 12, 1937 – September 29, 2026

Lolietta Mae Jones Gabiola, age 88, passed away peacefully amongst her family in Kuna, Idaho, on September 29, 2026. She leaves behind a rich legacy defined by a fiercely independent spirit, a deep Catholic faith, and a lifelong devotion to her family and community.

Born in Clay Center, Kansas on November 12, 1937, Lolietta moved to Idaho with her parents Frank Jones and Merrietta Crawford Jones, in the 1940s, quickly planting deep roots in the local community and graduating from Gooding High School in 1955. Blessed with a beautiful voice and an extraordinary ear for music, she later became heavily involved in local activities centered around music, such as the Cabrini Club in Boise. She was an exceptional singer and a talented multi-instrumentalist who brought joy to many playing the accordion, guitar, and the standard and banjo ukuleles. Lolietta was a gifted artist and enjoyed pencil and ink drawing and oil painting. She also played basketball for Boise Junior College.

In her later years, Lolietta proudly embraced and became heavily involved in Basque culture and celebrations, a community she cherished deeply. Her vibrant and competitive energy shone brightly whenever she was on the lanes with her bowling league or sitting around a card table playing games and visiting with her close friends.

Lolietta was also a dedicated community servant. Over the years, she worked to care for the region's natural beauty with the U.S. Forest Service and later supported local generations through her work with the Kuna School District. She loved her cats, and she loved being an aunt to her nieces and nephews.

Above all, Lolietta’s greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Eusebio “Sam” Gabiola, and her sister, Linda Sparks (husband Jerry). She was exceptionally proud of her four children and her grandchildren, who carry forward her fierce spirit:

• Son Jose Gabiola (wife Abby) and their children, Mikaele and Samuel.
• Son Julian Gabiola (wife Margie) and their children, Miren, Amaia, and Mila.
• Son Javier Gabiola (wife Stephanie).
• Daughter Teresa Gabiola Shelton (husband Brett) and their children, Zane and Kepa.
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A viewing will be held at Nampa Funeral Home-Yraguen Chapel on Tuesday, October 6th from 5-7 pm, followed by a rosary prayer service. The funeral mass will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Nampa on Wednesday, October 7th at 10 am, followed by a private burial for immediate family at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery. All guests are warmly invited to proceed directly to St. Paul’s Catholic Church Marist Hall for a Basque lunch and reception, where the family will join you shortly.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider a donation in Lolietta’s name to St. Paul’s Catholic Church https://pushpay.com/g/nampacatholic, the World Wildlife Federation https://www.worldwildlife.org, or your local animal shelter.