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BORN
1944
DIED
2020
Rodney Kelley Obituary
May 18, 1944 - December 29, 2020
Winchester , Idaho - Tuesday, 12-29-2020 Rodney James Kelley lost his battle to cancer at home. He went peacefully with his loving wife of 42 years, Kristi Kelley by his side.
Born May 18, 1944 to Shirley Kelley
Rod always had a passion for cars but mostly classic Fords. That included building and restoring them. He loved attending car shows, belonged to 4x4 clubs and also racing cars and motorcycles.
He owned Rods Auto Sales in Garden City, Idaho for years then partnered with a few more dealerships until he retired in 2001. He was partner in a small dealership when he met the love of his life, Christella Kelley, known as Kristi in 1974.
After a few years they finally tied the knot August 25, 1978. They combined their 2 families forever. Kristi bringing in two children, Vicki and Shawn and Rod one, Sean. They loved each as if they were their own. They resided in the Boise area.
In 2002 with Rods love for hunting and fishing they found and created their little piece of heaven in Winchester, Idaho. This brought them closer to Rods favorite hunting and fishing spots and Rods family.
Rod was preceded in death by his mother Shirley A Kelley, his father Robert H. Kelley, his sister Susan Kelley Racette and his biological father Salvatore/James Pallante.
Rod is survived by his wife Kristi Kelley, his brother Michael R Kelley (Charlene), son Sean Kelley (Bonnie) his daughter Vicki MacConkey (Darren), son Shawn Brown (Erika). Grandchildren- Brittany, Kristopher (Becka), Jessica (Dillon), Nissia (Joe), Jason (Alyssa), Chelsie, Shane, Landon, Casey, Gabriel, Avery J., Treyson and Ethan. Also 12 great grandchildren and nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, brother and sister in laws. And many friends. Found out he has siblings from biological father, Debra Jackson, Ernest Pallante, Sharon Pallante and Brenda Pallante.
Per Rods request, we will be having a Celebration of Life in the Spring/Summer of 2021 in Boise area after we can safely gather.
At this time, in lieu of flowers, please mail cards and/or donations to Po Box 435, Winchester, Idaho 83555
" Don't Judge each day by the harvest you reap but the seeds that you plant" Robert Louis Stevenenson
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rodney Kelley
Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.
Greg Sykes
January 9, 2021
Will miss you my freind we will ride again soon
Beverly Behnke
January 6, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cathy Ecklund
January 6, 2021
Never got to meet you but blessed we were family love you cousin
Robert Austin
January 6, 2021
Posted the photo of the 1951 Rambler Wagon (Black)--I bought one just like this from Rod at the Car lot across the street from the Red Steer on Broadway in Boise--about 1961. Lasted through High School. Rest in Peace Rod--Wishin You God Speed on your final Journey.
Robert Austin
January 6, 2021
Marlene Thurston
January 6, 2021
Meeting Rod and Kristi was such a great event in my life. Rod was a man that seldom said a negative thing about anyone. Such a nice person all around. He gave me the most solid advice. I'll never forget him. Such a dear friend. I love you Kristi for all time.
Kathy S R Heppner
January 6, 2021
When residing at Winchester, yours truly always enjoyed meeting Rod and Kristi at Lake City for coffee, meals and a visit. When I first journeyed to Canada for my first visit to see Dave, (now my husband) they gave me strict instructions to CALL not text so he and Kristi would know that all was well during the time yours truly was gone. Rod was an awesome friend full of fun and care for others. Rod will be missed by many.
Sandy Glick
January 6, 2021
I only met Rod once and spent time with both him and Kristi. But, I knew him a bit more through my friendship with Kristi. Losing a loved one is the most difficult thing to go through. Kristi, Vicki, Shawn, and Sean as well as all other family members, please know you are in my thoughts. Holding Rod in your hearts and memories means he is still with you. I believe he is also watching over each of you and will wait patiently until the day he is reunited with each and everyone of you. What a reunion that will be. Still for now, your grief is raw, and I feel such sadness for all of you. Death is a normal part of our life cycle, but it hurts the survivors so much. At the same time, that pain tells you just how loved your husband, father, Grandfather/Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Brother-in-Law, etc. has been. I am so sorry for your loss.
Lori & James Covington
January 6, 2021
Rest in peace Rod. We all miss you. Kristy and family, so sorry for your loss. We will meet again. Jim and Lori.
Bea Dorsett
January 5, 2021
Love you and will miss your warm hug and smile whenever I met up with you and your wonderful wife.
Cher
January 5, 2021
You have always been a very caring man, Itt's alway's been like you are my brother, not my cousin. Rip and I love you!
Alyce Milstead
January 5, 2021
Sending love and prayers. Ralph knew Rod years ago when he had his car business in Garden City. ❤❤❤
chris Wilke
January 5, 2021
Rod was a loving husband ,Grandpa and Dad. Rod I love I Miss you brother in-law. I'm glad I came to see you last month. Love you Rod. RIP . Love your Sister inlaw Chris !!
Kristi Kelley
January 5, 2021
Rod, I promised you I will be okay! Babe I'm not so sure!
Radar and Otis your furbabies miss you greatly.
I miss and Love you so much!!! ❤❤
My heart is so broken!!
Until we meet again in Heaven!!
Hugs and kisses!!!
Your Loving wife and bestest friend.
Kristi
Vicki
January 5, 2021
Dad. May you rest in peace. I will miss you always. Until we meet again, your loving daughter.
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