Nancy Ruth Cooley

Nancy Sumell Cooley died May 5th, at the St. Luke's Wood River Hospital from complications of cancer. 

Nancy Ruth Sumell was raised in Saratoga County, New York. and attended Oneonta University. In 1981 she.and her dear friend Rita Smolanoff (Gustafson) headed west with plans to move to Colorado. The girls were convinced instead to visit Hailey by another close college friend, Carole Cocciolone (Freund). Like many of us, Nancy never left. 

Nancy worked various jobs in the valley until joining the Blaine County Landuse office in March 2003. She retired from Blaine County in March of 2023. 

In 1987 Nancy met Pat Cooley and they were married in the fall of 1990 in Stanley, Idaho and remained married for over 32 years. 
Nancy is survived by her husband Pat and their two children Sara Cooley of Provo Utah, and Kevin Cooley of Hailey Idaho. Also her brothers Steve Sumell of Fortworth Texas and Eric Sumell of Hailey Idaho. 
Nancy enjoyed several memorable trips down the middlefork of the Salmon as well as other rivers in Idaho. Camping, fishing and making beaded jewelry were some of the things that she enjoyed very much. We will miss her dry wit, her laugh and her compassion. 

A celebration of life for friends and family will be held Friday, August 18 from 5-8 at the Hop Porter Park in Hailey.

Bless your heart Nanner. You will be missed greatly.