Photo Gallery

07/10/08

In Loving Memory

Mary Ann Kelly

September 13, 1930-June 8, 2008

Mary Ann Kelly left her earthly body Sunday, June 8, 2008 to be with her lifelong mate and husband, Richard G. Kelly after a short but difficult battle with cancer. As she passed she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mary Ann was born in Hot Lake, OR September 13, 1930, the youngest daughter of Myrtle and Hal Baker. She had one brother; Donald L. Baker and one sister; Jean Cox.
Mary Ann’s father, Hal was an adventurous soul and loved to travel. Their family lived in many places in Idaho, Oregon and California until settling in Boise in 1941.
In 1945 she met Dad at Boise High School. Their love blossomed and they were married in Boise in 1947. Then their family started; Michael R, 1948, Susan A ,1950, Shannon,1955, Timothy G, 1958, Collin H, 1962 and Kevin H, 1964. Mom would have continued to fill the bedrooms with more children but common sense must have gotten in the way. Being a wife and mother was what she felt her destiny in life should be. Mom was a wonderful Mother to us kids AND everyone else's. She was the Mom many kids dreamed of having…. never met a stranger. opened her heart and home to any and every person and a lot of fun!.
Mom and Dad moved to California in 1959, another adventure for her. When moving to Vista, CA in 1963 she was visited by the Welcome Wagon Lady and loved the concept so much, she became one. Taking her basket of goodies and visiting newcomers to the area was a perfect job for her. She had a perma grin, as we called it and could brighten anyone’s day. In 1967 Dad decided to complete his college education so Mom went to work as a Teachers Aide at California Street School in the Special Needs classroom. She truly embraced her students and looked forward to going to work. During this time she became deeply involved in the Special Olympics of California, traveling to many events through out the state.
After Dad finished college in 1972 they decided it was time to move back home to Boise. They finally arrived in January 1973 settling in Emmett. Dad was hired as the Director for Head Start and when he decided to take another job Mom was hired in his position and became an Advocate for Families in need through Health and Welfare. There again she was in her element, taking care of kids. Of course her “kids” and their families embraced her and her nurturing personality.
Later Mom discovered she loved the business world thus she and Dad purchased their first business, Rainsoft in 1981. This was the first of many business ventures. The Desert Edge Bar, The Emerald Club, Mountain Billiards, Yellow Cab-Central Taxi Dispatch, Pirate Radio and KIOV. The Emerald Club was hers to operate and that she did. She loved the business and the people. Everyone that came through the doors became her family. She finally had a “large living room” where she could entertain and comfort her many children. They were safe, secure and loved unconditionally. Mom worked 7 nights a week and would not hear of closing on Thanksgiving or Christmas. Someone might need a place to spend the Holidays and she was determined to provide that place.
She and Dad fed hundreds of people throughout the years on Thanksgiving and Christmas with their free holiday dinners. A tradition that has evolved in to a community event and has continued on at the Emerald Club.
Mom was a strong supporter of the LGBT community and believed in “equality for all.” As she would say, “We are ALL Children of God and He didn’t make no junk!” She was instrumental in organizing the Tree Fund Memorials of Idaho in 1988, served on the Idaho AIDS Foundation Board, was a member of the Imperial Sovereign Gem Court of Idaho for 22 years as well as many other Charitable Organizations.

Mom used to love going to the senior center dances in all the surrounding towns and sing. We used to go to barn dances and listen to her yodel and you could hear her singing once a week on KGEM radio in Emmett.

She was an avid bowler in her earlier years, belonged to the Lady Elks in the 1950s, assisted Dad with women prisoners at the Ada County Courthouse when he was a Deputy, was a member of PTA and taught English to Hispanics in both Vista, CA and Emmett, ID.

She had a big heart. It was always a joke around Emmett when people called her the town counselor. Her willingness to help anybody in need made her who she was. If there was a need she did her best to fulfill it and left us with a great sense of pride knowing the impression she left in others lives as well as our own.

Mom is survived by her children, Michael, Susie (Steve) Stertz, Shannon, Tim (Michelle) and Kevin (Nikki), Thirty plus grandchildren and great grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews and one aunt, Dorsey Lamborn (Max) and her sister in laws, Shirley Kelly, Nancy Smithers and brother in law Ron Kelly (Barbara).

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard, son Collin, grandson Aaron, parents Hal and Myrtle Baker, brother Don, sister Jean and many aunts, uncles and in laws.

We miss you SO much Mom but you will be in our hearts forever. You have left a legacy to be proud of.

Please sign Mary Ann's guest book

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