04/08/2026
It’s with a broken heart that we announce the passing of one of our very own! Our Jory Martin gained his wings on Saturday!
We have had the honor and privilege of having Jory with us for over 7 years. He was one of my students when I taught Thunder Basin, and when I started ABLE, he came with me!
Jory was so innocent, funny, and oh so ornery! So many memories, laughs, and so much love, we have for our Jory man!
He would throw away our couch cushions in the dumpster. Actually, anything he can get his hands on. I don’t remember how many times we had to dig cellphones, couch cushions, or my girls' shoes from the outside dumpster. He was our garbage man! We spent hours with him at the Camplex during our first vocational camp, picking up garbage and cleaning the stands, and he absolutely loved every minute of his job.
When he would shred, half of the time our junior staff would come out of the room covered in paper as he tried to dunk their heads into the bins. He would rearrange our living room and bedrooms if he were left unsupervised for any amount of time. How this tiny little guy found the strength to move an entire bed, I will never understand.
Oh, and let’s not forget the fire alarms. On my first day as a teacher and the first day of school at Thunder Basin, our Jory Martin found the fire alarm within the first few minutes of school and cleared the entire school! Talk about having to explain it to our Principal back then! Oh, but I wish that were all! During our college workshop, he cleared out the entire movie theatre late one night! It’s these memories that I will always cherish and carry with me forever!
As much time as we spend with our babies at ABLE, you can’t help but love them as your own. And when you lose one, well, you lose a piece of your heart as well.
ABLE family and friends, please keep Jory and his family in your prayers. We ask that you send them love and comfort and that they find peace in this devastating time! Hug your babies a little tighter tonight! I know I will.
Until we meet again, Our Jory Man! We love you so much, buddy!
Love always, your ABLE family!
