Elda Keele

Click Here To View Memorial Video Elda Ruth Smith Keele, 88, of Idaho Falls, passed away June 25, 2013, at Good Samaritan Center in Idaho Falls, from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease, escorted home by the angels to her Heavenly Home. She was surrounded by her family and under the care of Hands of Hope Hospice. Born August 22, 1924, in St. Anthony, Idaho, to Edwin Smith and Sarah Ethel Hathaway, Elda was the third of 12 children, eight boys and four girls, all of whom had names starting with the letter E. She spent her early years in Chester and graduated from South Fremont High School, where she was a cheerleader and loved hanging out with her friends and siblings. On October 31, 1958, she married the love of her life, William Thomas “Bill” Keele, in Mexico. Elda and Bill made their home in Idaho Falls and Elda was a wife, mother, and homemaker. She worked at R. T. French Company in Shelley for many years until retiring in 1986. Elda loved traveling, camping, reading, walking, and playing cards and Bingo. She was a “people person” and loved being with her children and grandchildren. Elda and Bill traveled all over the US and made many friends wherever they went. They saw a lot and spent the winters in Quartzite, Arizona, until her health made it impossible for them to go there anymore. She had lots of friends there and loved the swapmeets. Elda loved telling jokes and could remember any that were told to her. She was the life of the party and will be remembered for her high school cheers, which she taught to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Elda loved wearing hats of all kinds; she loved BLING! Elda is survived by her loving husband of nearly 55 years, Bill Keele, of Idaho Falls, Daughter, Sandra Blackburn of Idaho Falls, ID, Daughter, Linda (Allen) Stears of Idaho Falls, ID, Daughter, Colleen (John) McCreery of Pocatello, ID, Son, Denny (Marie) Garner of Las Vegas, NV, Daughter, Teresa (Skip) Hornbake of Pittsburgh, PA, Daughter, Aleta (Dave) Jensen of Pocatello, ID, Daughter, Anita (Kenny) Bailey Conley of Idaho Falls, ID; Daughter, Jennine Sidles of Ogden, UT, Sister, Elva Faye Anderson of Idaho Falls, ID; Sister, Elaine Smith of Temecula, CA; Brother, Evan Smith of Yuma, AZ; 23 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, eight siblings, and a grandson, Wade Stears. We love you, Mom, and will miss you – until we meet again. Graveside Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 28, 2013, 2:30 pm at the Fielding Memorial Park. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge.

Graveside Services -- Friday

2:30 p.m. ,Friday, June 28, 2013 Fielding Memorial Park 4750 South Yellowstone Highway Idaho Falls, ID, Bonneville 83402 Notes: The family will visit with friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge.