Rachel (Gorley) Spence

Rachel Ann (Gorley) Spence was born December 27, 1924, in Zanesville, Ohio, the daughter of Wilbur Leroy and Emma Kathryn (Bonifield) Gorley. She died December 6, 2014, in Gooding, Idaho, from pulmonary fibrosis. She was pre-deceased by her parents and her brother, Richard L. Gorley.

Ann had fond memories of growing up in a boisterous extended family in Ohio. She often said that she danced her youth away, most frequently at the dance hall on Buckeye Lake. She graduated from Lash High School, Zanesville, in 1942.

In 1944, she married Kenneth E. Spence and moved to his hometown, Nampa, Idaho. She came to love Idaho and lived the rest of her life in Nampa, Caldwell, Boise, and finally, Gooding.  Some of the family’s happiest memories are of summer vacations at the Russell cabin on Petit Lake in the Sawtooths.

The couple had three children, Karen (Jim Flint) of Ashland, Oregon, Steven (Linda) of Gooding, and Stanley (Sandy) of Nampa. She was also the beloved grandmother of eight grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and a growing number of great-great-grandchildren.  Throughout the years, Ann created a warm, cheerful home for her family and their friends.

Ann used her well-known organizational skills throughout her working life. Her first job was bookkeeper and assistant credit manager for Quality Furniture Company, Zanesville.  She was the long-time executive secretary for the Idaho American Legion Auxiliary and from 1974 to 1989 was an executive secretary with Morrison-Knudsen (now URS).

Ann’s favorite pastimes included reading, swimming, playing party bridge with friends, attending music and theater productions, and spending time with friends and family.  For many years she was the official family photographer.

Ann faced her declining health with the same lively spirit that marked the rest of her life. For those wishing to make a contribution in her memory, the family suggests Gooding Public Library (306 5th Ave W, Gooding, ID 83330) or any favorite charity.

A memorial gathering will be announced at a later date.

Local arrangements are under the care of Farnsworth Mortuary of Jerome.