Obituary of Richard Scott Stelling

  Richard “Rich” Stelling, of Nampa Idaho, passed away July 9, 2021 due to complications of a sudden onset infection.

  Rich was born December 17, 1943 in Boise, ID and was blessed to be adopted by Elmer and Jesse Stelling of New Plymouth, ID at two weeks of age.  He often stated how lucky he was to have grown up on a farm and spoke fondly of the times he got into mischief with cousins, swam in the canal and raced the country roads on his motorcycle.    

  After high school graduation, Rich attended Boise Jr. College and began his career at Pacific Finance as a loan collector.  He moved on to Saltzer Medical and eventually found his passion working for the Canyon County Organization on Aging, retiring as Executive Director in 2008.  Rich was very driven to improve senior programs, and advocated tirelessly for improved funding and services.     

  In 2005, Rich became legally blind due to macular degeneration.  Although he endured moments of frustration, he was accepting of his path and continued to tinker and build birdhouses for friends.  He loved camping, fishing and ATV riding with many special memories at Magic Reservoir and Featherville.  Rich also enjoyed his time and friendships at the Nampa Elks Lodge and the many adventures he went on with the Canyon County ATV Club. 

  Rich is survived by his wife Roberta Bischel; his children Diana (Stewart) Johnson, Raymond (Sara) Crawford, Julie Crawford, Evan (Belinda) Stelling; grandchildren Arthur Musser, Adam Drain, Colton Crawford, MacKenzie Dodd, Justin Stelling, Allie Cornett, Makayla Johnson, Lillie Johnson, Augustus Johnson, Rebecca Stelling, Briar Stelling and numerous great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents; Jesse and Elmer Stelling, infant twin sisters and grandson Joshua Bopp. 

  We would like to thank two special physicians who kept Rich going through the many medical hurdles he faced over these closing years of his life – Nephrologist Dr. Christopher Keller and Tosha Johnson, NP with Saint Al’s Cardiology.  You were positive, encouraging and so kind to Rich through all of his ups and downs.  He still believed in you even after you agreed to his wife’s prescribed diet of “boiled air and fried water.” 

  A celebration of life will be held at 3pm on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at the Nampa Elks Lodge located at 1116 1^st Street South, Nampa, ID.  Should friends or family desire, contributions in Rich’s honor may be sent to:  Pet Haven Cat Adoption Center or the Nampa Elks Lodge. Condolences may be given at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com