Mary Luella Ward Kieffer

Mary Luella Ward Kieffer, lovingly known as Mary Lue, passed away at her home in Kuna, Idaho, on January 2, 2025, at the age of 73.

Born on November 11, 1951, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mary Lue was the cherished daughter of Frank Ward and Mary Davis. She grew up in the Rose Park neighborhood and graduated with the West High School Class of 1970.

In October 1970, Mary Lue's life changed forever when she met Kenneth Michael Kieffer on a blind date. Their love story blossomed, and they were married on August 12, 1971, in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Though she briefly attended BYU, Mary Lue always said Ken "rescued" her so she could have her dream of becoming a devoted wife and mother. Together, they raised four children, living in Utah, California, Georgia, Oregon, and Missouri, and leaving a legacy of friendship and love wherever they went.

Mary Lue had a creative spirit and a talent for bringing beauty into the world. An accomplished seamstress and quilter, she poured her heart into creating handmade treasures for her family and friends. She was often found with a piece of thread on her shirt or scissors clipper to her. In her later years, Mary Lue discovered a passion for building LEGO sets, delighting in the challenge of building multiple sets a year.

Mary Lue's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her beloved children: Kathryn, Ken Jr. (Gulya), Elizabeth (Kyle), and Margaret (Ben), as well as her five treasured grandchildren: Gram, Lydia, Avery, Calvin, and Kieran, who brought light and laughter to her life.

Mary Lue is reunited in heaven with her husband, Ken; her parents, Frank and Mary; her brothers, Stan, Bob, and Fred; her sister-in-law, Carol; and her nephew, Robbie.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to St. Luke’s Hospice in Boise for their compassionate care of Mary Lue in her final days.

A funeral service will be held in Kuna, Idaho on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. with a viewing beginning at 10 a.m. both at 8625 S. Linder Road,  

In Liberty, Missouri, a local funeral service will take place on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Park Lawn Northland Chapel 1640 N. MO Hwy 291, Liberty, MO, with visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Glenridge Cemetery B Highway and Shepherd Road, Liberty, MO.