Stephen Eugene Kelly

Stephen Eugene Kelly

June 24, 1950 - August 20, 2021

Stephen Eugene Kelly, 71, passed away on August 20, 2021, at his home in Gooding.

Stephen was born on June 24, 1950, in Boise, Idaho to his parents - Gene and Dorothy Kelly of Gooding. Active in his hometown, Stephen rode his bike to the swimming pool, earned money with a paper route, and bought a Honda 90. He learned how to ski, shoot and draw. Stephen graduated from Gooding High School in 1968, then attended the University of Idaho where he pledged Delta Tau Delta.

Stephen learned exterior painting when he worked for Tom Piatt. He was a farm and ranch hand at Picabo and Mayfield. In Boise, he used his artistic eye to help create large commercial signs, then deliver and install them all over the West. In 1992, Stephen made a major lifestyle change, one that led to a job driving Boise-area routes for a postal service contractor. Working the night shift, Stephen was greatly influenced by late-night talk radio. He retired in 2012 and moved to Gooding.

Stephen made the most of 28 years of sobriety. He adopted juicing and fasting for health benefits. Beets, broccoli, and carrots were his grocery store favorites. He owned homes in Boise's North End and later in Gooding, and he was passionate about painting and fixing them up. Being a good exterior painter, he found joy when he helped others with their home improvement projects. He looked forward to driving trucks for Judd Astorquia every Fall.

Amazed by the beauty of Idaho's desert and mountains, Stephen explored back roads and remote places in his cherished Ford pick-up. When he had time off, he liked to camp and cook Dutch oven. He spent one vacation in the Trinity Mountain Fire Lookout. He made several oil paintings of the scenery and animals he studied.

Stephen was loved by: sister - Nancy Kelly; sister - Susan (Jerry) Westendorf; brother-in-law - Jim Schoettger; by one niece and seven nephews; and by many friends and classmates.

His sister - Becky Schoettger preceded him in death; as did his parents - Gene Kelly and Dorothy Kelly; and his favorite uncle - Bill Kelly.

A casual gathering in Stephen's memory is scheduled for Friday, September 3, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. at the Elmwood Cemetery in Gooding. All are encouraged to practice social distancing. Bring your own chair if needed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Gooding Fire Dept., 2155 Montana St., Gooding, or to The Walker Center, 605 11th Ave E., Gooding.

Condolences, memories, and photos can be shared with the family by following the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com.