Obituary of Stella Spain

Kimberly – Stella L. Spain, age 82, of Kimberly passed away at home on Thursday, July 24, 2014. She passed in peace surrounded by her family. Stella was born on November 25th, 1931, in Annis, Idaho, the third child of Frank and Hazel (Hall) Johnson. Stella’s family moved to Hansen, Idaho, when she was young and she lived in the Magic Valley the remainder of her life. Stella attended school in Hansen and married William Spain in 1948. They were later divorced. From that union, they had four children: Wynn (Cathy) of Novato, California; Steve (Mary) of Green Valley, Arizona; Sue of Jerome; and Wade (Kristi) of Meridian. All four of the Spain children attended and graduated from the Kimberly school system. After their marriage, William and Stella were owners and operators of the Arnolds Grocery Store in Kimberly. For many years, Stella also worked as a waitress at the Kimberly Bowling Alley and Kimberly Café, where she got to know many of the regular customers. Often times, Stella knew exactly what they wanted and would have their order started before they ever sat down. Later, Stella worked as a custodian at Kimberly Elementary School, retiring in 1994. During her time at K.E.S., Stella became close friends with many of the faculty and staff. Though it was a physically demanding job, she loved the all the kids and many remember her to this day. Stella participated in many activities, such as bowling and camping. She also truly enjoyed reading, especially any book by her favorite author, Danielle Steele. She was a fan of old country music, fresh flowers and spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors at family picnics. Later in life, Stella loved being able to watch all the many birds, which came to her bird feeders hanging just outside her apartment window at Wynwood Retirement Center. Stella made many friends and enjoyed the various activities available to her at Wynwood as well. Survivors include her son, Wynn (Cathy) Spain; daughter-in-law, Mary Spain; daughter, Sue Spain; son, Wade (Kristi) Spain; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; her brother, Clyde (Maxine) Johnson; sisters Doris Alvey; Loa (Tom) Turcott; Ruby (Joe) Presnell; and Phyllis (Dale) Vawser; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Stella was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Hazel Johnson; her brother, Herb Johnson; her sister, Arlene Spencer; her son, Steve Spain; and granddaughter, Lisa Jones. Inurnment will take place on Friday August 22, 2014 at 11:00 am at Sunset Memorial Park. A memorial open-house service will be held on Friday, August 22nd from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Rosenau Funeral Home in Twin Falls. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to Hospice Visions and can be left at the service. Stella’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Joseph Ippolito and staff, the staff of Hospice Visions and the entire staff at Wynwood Retirement Center in Twin Falls for all of the gracious care provided to her over the last few years. Words could never express just how grateful we are for the quality and loving care she received. “Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever”