Stephanie Lynn Keely

Our dear mom, Stephanie L. Keely passed away at 74, in her home in Rigby surrounded by her loving family on January 4, 2024 after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer.

She was born an only child on December 5th 1949 in Los Angeles, California to Theodore Adrian Bard and Esther Louise Landis. Even as an only child, she was never alone. She had a very close cousin, Roy Shafer, whom she considered as a brother and had many adventures with. Her open heart and giving nature lead the path to many friends. Her own mother was her best friend and they enjoyed all the time spent together. That friendship began her love of travel. She believed in being traditional but was a very independent woman. She had many dreams growing up, the ones that were always in the front was being a mommy and becoming a teacher.

Stephanie attended California State University, Los Angeles and earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She spent her career lovingly teaching the Kindergarten -3rd grade children at Alhambra School District for 25+ years. She shared her passion for teaching and helped guide new teachers in the district as well.

In the fall of 1969, Stephanie met the love of her life, Charles Ronald Keely aka Ron, playing leap frog the 10 from Palm Springs to Los Angeles. They married on November 27, 1971 in Los Angeles, California. Together Stephanie and Ron built a beautiful life centered around family, travel and God.

She became a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1988 and honorably served in many callings. She always had a strong belief in Christ. She loved the church and it gave her peace when she was attending.

Stephanie loved to travel and experience new places, especially as a family. Her family was her #1 priority. She loved spending time with her daughters, taking them to all their activities, going shopping, taking drives to eat at favorite restaurants and just being together. She loved the ocean and the sun. Just sitting in the sun and reading her book was her favorite pastime.

Stephanie is preceded in death by her parents Theodore and Esther Bard. She is survived by her sweetheart, Ron; her girls: Heather (Ken) LaRue of Rexburg, Amber (Delton) Gould of St Anthony, and Brianne Larson of Shelley; and 12 grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Stephanie will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Eckersell Memorial Chapel (101 W Main St., Rigby, ID 83442). A viewing will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Interment will follow the funeral service at the Riverview Cemetery in St Anthony.

Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude for Hailee Williams at OneSource Home Health and Hospice for her compassion and highly skilled care. We have been greatly comforted in their taking such care of Stephanie.