Keely Marie Lance

Keely “Henry” Marie Lance was taken in a tragic accident on Sunday, September 2, 2012, just short of her 19th birthday. She was born on September 8, 1993, to her loving parents Brett and Kristy Lance and big brothers, Travis and Casey, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She attended elementary schools in Rigby and graduated with high honors in May 2012 from Rigby High School. Keely was excited for the next chapter in her life and had recently moved to Pocatello, Idaho, to attend Idaho State University, majoring in Elementary Education. Keely had a deep love for her horses, “Spinner” and “Tuffy”. She started Horse 4-H at the age of 9 and won 1st place in Bareback and Western Equitation two years in a row. At the age of 6, she began rodeo queening with her mom by her side and her dad backstage working hard to provide gas money, hay, and horses. Her first title was Jr. Queen at the Pioneer Days in St. Anthony, Idaho which she won at the age of 9. Her goal was to hold all three rodeo queen titles at the Jefferson County Stampede in Rigby, Idaho, a goal she accomplished in 2011. Another goal was to do her freestyle pattern without a bridle for her “MiMi” which she achieved in June 2012. She continued her love of queening and was proud of her two state titles, Miss Junior Rodeo Idaho 2007 and Miss Teen Rodeo Idaho 2010. Keely’s greatest honor was presenting the American Flag on horseback. Keely developed a love for basketball starting in the 3rd grade. She played for Rigby High School where she helped her team win back-to-back District Championships. They went 22-0 her junior year and took 2nd in State her senior year. Keely was a daddy’s girl who especially loved spending time with him and her family hunting, camping, 4-wheeling, and snowmachining. She was an avid snowboarder and loved hitting the slopes. Keely was a particularly skilled marksman, outshooting her brothers every chance she got. She loved following them around as they played sports. Keely was their biggest fan. She never missed a game. Keely will be forever known as the girl with an infectious smile and generous heart that touched all those she came in contact with. Keely was a role model that spent several hours mentoring and teaching those younger than her. She was loved by everyone who knew her and will be greatly missed. One of her favorite quotes was “It’s better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.” Keely is survived by: •Her parents: Brett Anthony Lance and Kristy Marie Kiesel Lance – Rigby, Idaho •Her brothers: Travis Anthony Lance - West Valley, Utah, Casey Roy Lance – Rigby, Idaho •Grandparents: Jack and JoAnn Lance – Idaho Falls, Idaho •Grandma: Sandra “MiMi” Kiesel – St. George, Utah •Great-Grandpa: Boyce “Papper” Daniels – St. George, Utah •Several uncles and aunts and cousins who loved her greatly. She was preceded in death by: •Her Grandpa: Kendal “Pappaw” Kiesel •Her Great-Grandmothers: Alta “Grandma Honey” Qualman and Ruby “Mammer” Daniels. Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, in the Rigby Stake Center, 258 W. First North, Rigby.ID. The family will visit with friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and for two hours before services Friday, both at the Rigby Stake Center. Burial will be in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery, under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.