Judy Lynn Voiten Kelly born on April 12, 1936 to Carrie and Joe Voiten in Boise, Idaho--  Died May 26^th, 2010 in Jeffersonville, Indiana after a long battle with congestive heart failure. 

 She lived on Irving Street just east of Orchard Street during her formative years.  She loved animals and had her own horse which she affectionately called “Dammit.”   She competed in many rodeos around the country growing up and went on to become the Queen of the Snake River Stampede in 1954.  She went on to become Miss Idaho in 1956 and competed favorably in the Miss America Pageant the same year.  She later came back as the star of the Snake River Stampede.  Her love for Country and Western Music drove her to move to Nashville and join the Grand Ole Opery which began her career in country music.  She found a manager “John Kelly (who she later married)” to help her launch “The Judy Lynn show.”  She toured the whole country for a number of years, she played the Nevada circuit extensively in Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas.  Judy and John bought a home in Las Vegas, it was a Ranch (across the end of the airstrip from Wayne Newton) which they owned for many years until her retirement in 1980.  At which time they purchased a Ranch in Broken Bow, Oklahoma where they had horses, dogs and cats.  They stayed for a time and ultimately sold the Ranch and moved to Jeffersonville, Indiana so she could pursue her higher calling as Reverand Judy Lynn Kelly.  As an ordained minister she traveled to many churches in the United States and around the world to share the Gospel.  She was an active member of Christ Gospel Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Carrie Voiten, her sister Jo Anne Campbell and her husband John Kelly.   She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved her.  

Sender's Name: Bonnie (Zimmer) Jackman

I went to South Jr. High in Boise for part of my 9th grade. She was the kindest to me.

 

Sender's Name: D kirk

Judy, I remember following your life for many years, with fond memories and best wishes. You will be missed!

 

Sender's Name: Dessie Hunt Rasmussen

I attended High School with Judy. We would get her singing and yodeling in P.E. class and the teacher would have a hard time stopping it--she loved listening to her like all of us kids. She had a fabulous voice. She was a kind and friendly person and beautiful as well. She will add to those heavenly chorus'.

 

Sender's Name: Ruth Simerly

I was sorry to hear of Judy's death. I remember when she was Miss Idaho and how beautifully she rode a horse.

 

Sender's Name: Vicki Veneziano

Judy was a lifelong friend of my mom Lois hiner-smith. We had all her albums and saw her at the stampede when I was a kid. I loved her music and will never forget the dazzling clothes. She will be missed.

 

Sender's Name: Gayle Loveland

Judy was in my sister, Barbara's class at Franklin School. We all loved her beautiful voice

 

Sender's Name: Bev Balderston Carpentier

Hearing of Judy's death brought back many fond memories of our days as cheerleaders. I followed her music career over the years. She was such a talented woman. She will be missed.

 

Sender's Name: Dee Dee Yardley

I have a picture of Judy singing with my grandfather, at the western riding club get together. Would you like a copy of the picture? It was taken in 1954. Sincerely Dee Dee. Email address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it