Mary Beth (Conrad) Wells, 70, passed away on December 19, 2021. Her unwavering faith in Christ and her passion to share His love with others is reflected in her servant’s heart. Her unique childlikeness and pure joy are evident to all who know her or happened to cross paths with her. Mary Beth was born on November 1, 1951, in LaPorte, Indiana. Growing up on her family’s dairy farm in the Mill Creek area, she loved spending time with her father, especially helping out with the family’s Clydesdale horses. She had a special relationship with her grandmother, learning & gleaning all she could about their family heritage & German roots. In school she thrived in the 4-H programs, home economics dress making, Glee Club, Acapella Choir & playing the piano. In 1970, she graduated with honors from LaPorte High School, receiving multiple scholarships. Mary Beth went on to graduate from Ball State University with a Master’s Degree, majoring in Special Education.
After marrying, she moved to Idaho, gaining two daughters whom she treasured as her own. She fell in love with the beauty of the West, enjoying many years of adventures with her family camping, hiking, hunting, riding dirt bikes & snowmobiling in the majestic outdoors. Mary Beth is a devoted Mother, Grandmother, & Great Grandmother. She adored her family, spending hours playing with her grandchildren, pouring love & joy into their lives.
Mary Beth’s passion to assist children in need & developmentally disabled individuals stemmed from the love she had for her sister, Sandy. Growing up with a sister who had cerebral palsy, she developed a deep love & passion to advocate for those individuals. She dedicated a majority of her life to serving on a personal & professional level. She worked hard, serving Idaho & its citizens for 25 years, employed with the Idaho State School & Hospital, Idaho Department of Health & Welfare, as well as the Idaho State Department of Education. She was credentialed in both Indiana & Idaho by the Board of Education as a teacher. Besides working as a Special Education Teacher, she was certified as a QMRP (Qualified Mental Retardation Professional), Developmental Specialist, Social Worker, CPS, Clinician, and held many supervisory & training coordinator positions. She was honored by Governor Butch Otter, along with multiple agencies & organizations for her care, dedication & professionalism; receiving recognition as “Social Worker of the Year” and other accolades. Mary Beth was also passionate about serving the Native American communities, doing outreach work with children on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation.
After retirement, she became as Wellness Advocate, as well as dedicated the rest of her life to serving, participating in mission work, & prayer ministries all over the world. Her travels included outreach & service all over the U.S., Scotland, & Israel. Falling in love with God’s people, the Jewish nation, she made nine trips back and forth to their homeland. She was honored to play her harp, worshipping by the sea of Galilee, in The King’s Garden-City of David, & anywhere she had the opportunity. A large part of her heart remains in Israel.
In her later years, she developed a special friendship with Rita Anderson, who became her best friend. Feeling called to the state of Wyoming, they left their lives in Idaho to wholeheartedly pray for & serve this region. They settled in the Riverton area on the Wind River Indian Reservation, where they both lived until their deaths in December of 2021. Mary Beth & Rita passed away within days of each other, remaining closer than sisters, until the very end.
Mary Beth is preceded in death by parents Harry Fredrick & Margaret Lucile Conrad, & sister Sandra “Sandy” Lynn Conrad & nephew Jason Conrad.
She is survived by daughters Bobbi Jo Taylor (Matt) & Jacki Lynn Briggs (Tom); grandchildren Zachary Taylor (Shiloah), Madi Jo Taylor, Emily, MJ, Maricris, Rebekah Briggs, & great granddaughter Elliana Briggs; siblings Randall Conrad (Diane) & Daniel Conrad (Debbie) & many extended family members.
Celebration of Life & reception: Friday June 24, 2022 @ 10am-12:30pm. A light lunch & gathering will follow the services at Boise Vineyard Christian Fellowship/4950 N. Bradley St./Boise, Id. 83714. For a more detailed obituary, information on the services & to RSVP condolences may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com