Kelli Mays

Our beloved mother, daughter, and sister, Kelli Kathleen Howell Mays, 51, of Idaho Falls, died August 1, 2010, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Kelli was born January 11, 1959, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the daughter of Ronald Dean Trumbo and Elizabeth Ilene Dearden Trumbo. Her father passed away when she was 2 years old and she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Ronald Howell. She grew up in Idaho Falls and attended schools here, graduating from Bonneville High School. She also attended Idaho State University and graduated with honors with a teaching degree. She later graduated from Massage School in San Francisco, California. She moved to Billings, Montana, in 1982, and later returned to Idaho Falls with her family, where she has lived ever since. Kelli married Marty Calvin Mays in 1977 in Idaho Falls and they were later divorced. She was a homemaker and mother and also worked as a teacher and massage therapist. All she ever wanted to be was a teacher. She taught Reading, English and History at several District #93 schools, mostly English, and was named 'Teacher of the Year.' Kelli was instrumental in the startup of the Alternative School in District #93. She continued to substitute teach at District #93 schools until the time of her passing. Kelli was a fantastic teacher and was recognized by her former students wherever she went. Kelli loved her family, friends, and animal companions dearly. She also loved her faith, the Ahman House Fellowship. Kelli was a bookworm, enjoyed music and movies, laughter, and was a hippy at heart. Kelli was a kind, compassionate and loving individual who never complained about her illness, or the discomforts she faced daily. Surviving are: Daughter: Mackenzie Mays of Springfield, OR Son-In-Law: Mathew Whisenhunt of Springfield, OR Parents: Beth & Ron Howell of Idaho Falls, ID Brother: Les Trumbo of Idaho Falls, ID her dog, Bella, and a grand-dog, Dazey. She was preceded in death by her father, Ronald Trumbo. A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2010, at Freeman Park, Shelter #1. Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Siobhan Ashment sioash@msn.com I was so sorry for your loss. I was a student of Ms. Mays many years ago and I remember her class fondly. My thoughts are with you. Jill Holverson Fransen My since condolences to the family of Kelli. I pray that you will be comforted at this time. We will see here again. No words can express the sadness I feel at the passing of Kelli. She was a special friend in my life and I never forgot her. Just Sunday I was going through old photos with my daughter-in-law, LeOra and there were several of Kelli and all the gang we ran with in high school. I pointed her out and told LeOra, "She was my best friend in school." Our lives were blessed by being associated with Kelli. I will miss here, but I have wonderful memories. Jeanine Williams williamsje@byui.edu So sorry to hear of Kelli's passing. I went to school with her. She was always a friendly and caring person. She will be dearly missed. May the Lord bless you with comfort and strength. Brandon Miner Kelli has always been one of my favorite teachers. She was able to make each student feel accepted and important. I was a student of hers approximately 20 years ago and I still share stories from her class. I hope that you are all comforted in her loss knowing that she is an amazing person. Allison K Kelli, we will miss you. Thank you for the opportunity to reconnect after graduation at our lunches. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. Roxann Stanger rrstanger@hotmail.com Beth, I am sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. My mother always told me one of the hardest parts of life is loosing a child. She will always remain in your heart and in your thoughts and I truly believe you will see her again one day.