Shanele Pinza

Shanele (Shany) Kay Pinza (Kelly, Nelson) passed away at the age of 38 on January 25, 2020.

Shanele was born in Blackfoot, Idaho to her mother Penny and father Terry Nelson. She later moved to Pocatello with her mother and dad, Brent Stenersen, where she spent the majority of her life. She graduated from Pocatello High School in 2000 and was a member of the Army National Guard. A place where she met her soon to be husband Kris Kelly. They had two beautiful children together, Tristan and Kenedi. Her children were everything to her and she thrived watching them grow.

Shanele had an ambitious work ethic, always kept herself busy and loved being a mother. After the birth of her son Tristan, Shanele started work as a nursing and medical assistant. She loved the medical field. Her second passion was photography. You would always catch her behind a lens, taking pictures of people and places she went. When she wasn't working she loved to spend time with her children, family and friends. Her vivacious personality was unrivaled by most, which made her the life of the party.

In 2013 Shanele moved to Mukilteo, WA where she reconnected and married her now husband Tony Pinza. They had a very active lifestyle from going to concerts, football games, and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Seattle area. There was never a dull moment these two had.

Shanele would come back home to visit her children as often as she could; she cherished every moment with them. After six years in the Seattle area, Shanele and Tony moved back to Pocatello the summer of 2019.

Shanele is preceded in death by grandparents Boyd and Marge Leavitt and Bob Stenersen. She is survived by her: husband Tony Pinza, Tristan K. (son), Kenedi K. (daughter), Penny (mother), Brent (dad), Kelsey (sister), Tyler (brother) Stenersen, Terry (father), Maili (sister) Nelson, and numerous family and friends.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the Grove City Cemetery in Blackfoot, Idaho. Military Rites will be provided by the American Legion Post #23, and the Idaho National Honor Guard.

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