Theodore J. (Ted) Ney

THEODORE “TED” J. NEY Theodore “Ted” John Ney, son of Joseph “Joe” Frederick Ney and Armella “Millie” Susan (Poncelet) Ney, was born on December 19, 1941, in Granville, Iowa. He grew up in the Sheldon area, where he attended grade school and graduated from Sheldon High School in 1960. In 1961, Ted joined the United States Navy and was stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington, where he met his future wife, Bonita Kaye Cummings. After his discharge, they were married on August 7, 1965. The couple first lived in Lone Tree, Iowa, where Ted worked for AT&T in Davenport. In August 1966, they moved to Moscow, Idaho, so Ted could attend the University of Idaho. Their first son, Peter, was born in June 1968. After Ted graduated in May 1970, the family moved to Yelm, Washington, where he became assistant manager at Western Farmers. In the spring of 1971, they relocated to Chehalis, Washington, and their second son, David, was born that July. They later returned to Yelm and remained there until moving to Payette, Idaho, in late summer 1976. Ted briefly worked at Champion Homes, then did seasonal farm work before joining the irrigation company. In March 1977, Ted and Bonnie welcomed their third son, James. In spring 1978, Ted accepted a position with Farmers Supply Cooperative, and the family moved to Fruitland, Idaho. Ted began raising hogs in Payette and later moved the operation to Fruitland and then Parma. He worked for Farmers Supply until spring 1982, when he joined Andrews Seed Company. That fall, he began working for Americold. His swing-shift schedule allowed him to farm during the day and work at the cold storage facility at night. Although Ted left the hog business in the mid-1980s, he continued row-crop farming and especially loved growing corn. When Bonnie retired in 2004, they had more time to travel. Ted enjoyed road trips, and after reconnecting with Navy friends, he and Bonnie traveled across the United States for reunions, often visiting family along the way. They also took cruises and visited places they had always hoped to see. Ted loved his family deeply, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never missed a birthday party, graduation, or sporting event—and he always enjoyed the cake. Ted was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Bonita; their 3 sons, Peter, David (Maribel), and James; 11 grandchildren; Kris, Reiley, Chandler, Brooks, Ciera, Cameron, Alexys, Josh, Taylor, Zoe, and Maddox. 6 great grandchildren; Millie, Ava, Liam, Briar, Alice, and Shiloh. 5 brothers and sisters, JoAnn Den Beste of Sheldon IA; Janice Berndt of Davenport, IA; Bill (Marie) Ney of Yelm, WA; Gene (Laura) Ney of Ashton, IA and Sharon (Bob) Shassetz of Sterling, AK. 1 sister in-law Jackie Ney of Matlock IA and many other relatives and friends. Ted is preceded in death by his parents, 2 great grandchildren; Evelyn and Ezekiel. 2 sisters, Ruth and her husband, Marvin Strouth and Pauline Ney; 1 brother Michael Ney, 2 brothers in law, Daryl Den Beste, and Herb Berndt.

 A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Park View Cemetery in New Plymouth, with Shaffer Jensen officiating.