Arlene Mahaffey

Arlene Ardella Mahaffey, 79, of Idaho Falls, passed away January 15, 2026, at Lincoln Court Retirement Community after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Arlene was born May 7, 1946, in Salmon, Idaho, to Dean Ireland Mahaffey and Thelma Ilene Hutchinson Mahaffey. She was raised on a ranch in the Lemhi Valley and loved to share warm memories from those simpler times. The family moved to Salmon in her Freshman year where she attended Salmon High School, graduating in 1964. She loved her teenage years and remained close with most of her classmates her entire life.

She obtained a Secretarial degree from Idaho State University and worked as an administrative assistant for Boise State University for 30 years before retiring. During that time, she held positions in many different departments making it always interesting (Registration, Purchasing, President’s office, Foreign Language and her favorite, Athletics). She was respected by her colleagues for her dedication and excellent work ethic and widely loved for her warm, friendly nature. Not surprisingly she was also a die-hard Boise Broncos fan who enjoyed season tickets for many years and scoffed at missing a game (live or on television).

Post retirement, she worked seasonally with the Idaho State Legislature for several years during its annual sessions, a job she cherished and eagerly returned to each year.

Her family was her world, and to them, she gave endlessly, with a heart full of generosity and unconditional love. Her first daughter, Cammie, was born in 1965, followed by Carol, in 1968. She cherished both of her “girls” deeply and was never more content than when in their company.

Her only grandchild, Emilee, was the apple of her eye, and their bond was deep. She proudly celebrated every milestone, never missing a chance to brag about her achievements and the woman she was becoming. Not far behind in admiration were the family dogs, who she adored. She was always eager to adopt or babysit and all would wiggle with joy at the sight of her.

Nothing made her smile more than listening to country music and swing dancing. One of her favorite memories in life was her trip to Nashville, Tennessee to see the epicenter of her country music heroes. Her family knew that the right tune and a shared cocktail was the way to her heart. She will be remembered for her radiant smile and infectious laughter. She had a way of lighting up a room, and her presence felt like a warm hug. Fun, sweet, and full of life, she will be missed beyond words.

Arlene is survived by her daughter, Camille Sayer (Brooks Montgomery) of Salmon, ID; daughter, Carol Ann Bruggenkamp of Salmon, ID; sister, Sharon (Bob) Wilson of Burley, ID; brother, Larry (Barbara) Mahaffey of Boise, ID; one grandchild, Emilee Jones (Patrick Barkwell) of Scottsdale, AZ, one step-grandchild, Lindsay Klein (Mike), and two step great-grandchildren (Mikaela and Charlie).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Thelma Mahaffey.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.