A. Irene (Broadhurst) Kenney

Alberta Irene Kenney — known to most as Irene, and to her family as the heart of their home — passed peacefully on November 6, 2025, in Boise, Idaho, at the age of 89. Born on the summer solstice in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Ralph and Noma Broadhurst, Irene brought warmth and light into the world from the very beginning.

In January 1946, the Broadhurst family moved from Rush, Colorado to the Oregon Slope near Ontario, Oregon. Irene grew up as the shy middle child between her older sister Juanita and younger brother Steve. Though the family was very poor, Irene and Juanita never knew it — there was always good food, plenty of love, and a sense of joy that money couldn’t buy.

After graduating from high school in 1954, Irene attended Links School of Business and began working at Idaho Power. But her life truly began when she married the love of her life, Ray E. Kenney, on December 14, 1956. Together, they built a life filled with devotion, hard work, and laughter.

Their first child, a baby boy, was born still in 1959 — a loss that marked them deeply. But joy returned with the birth of Kathy Jo in 1960, Cindy Lu (born on Irene’s 25th birthday!) in 1961, and Nanette Irene in 1963. Irene left Idaho Power to raise her children and support Ray’s construction business, handling the bookkeeping with precision and care. Ray and Irene built their first home in the country, moving in when Cindy was born, and later built another in town in 1969, where they raised their family. Weekends were spent at the family cabin in McCall, and later at the Owyhee Reservoir cabin.

In 1993, Irene survived a tragic car accident that claimed Ray’s life — a devastating loss that she met with quiet strength. In the years that followed, she took up golf (and loved it), became a snowbird in Yuma, Arizona for 16 winters, and eventually settled back in Ontario full-time for her final years.

Irene was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughters Kathy (Jeff) Winnett of Corvallis, Oregon; Cindy (Brett) Hutcheson of Boise, Idaho; and Nanette (Jim) Cox of Weiser, Idaho. Sister Juanita (Harold) Griffin of Ontario, Oregon and brother Steve (Vicky) Broadhurst of Forest Grove, Oregon. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren Necia Slavik, J.R. Cox, Mathew Winnett, Joshua Winnett, Benjamin Winnett, Rebecca Winnett, Kylie Hutcheson, and Cassie Hutcheson; and great-grandchildren Madison Slavik, Kaleb Slavik, and Guss Winnett.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Noma, her sister Clara, her beloved husband Ray, and her baby boy.

Her memory will live on in every family gathering, every shared story.  Memorial donations may be made to the Charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 14th at 11:00 a.m. at Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel in Ontario, Oregon. A viewing will take place on Thursday, November 13th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the same location.

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