Steven Slifer

Steve Slifer, age 76, of Filer, Idaho died Sunday August 9, 2026 at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Hospital.

Steve was born to Frances (Lindaman) and Ivan Slifer of Wellsburg, Iowa on April 5, 1950. He contracted polio at age 4 before the vaccine was available. He graduated from Wellsburg High School and from Indian Hills College in Ottumwa, Iowa. At the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, he became a head cook.

In 1974 he married Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Boyd, and the next year he accepted a job working with Magic Valley Rehabilitation Services in Twin Falls, Idaho. In 1980 he apprenticed to learn shoe repair and bought the Valley Shoe Repair shop which he ran for 26 years. Then he returned to MVRS and served on their Board. Their daughter Elsy, joy of their lives, was born in 1988.

In his retirement he found a “second home” volunteering at ReStore for Habitat for Humanity, repairing items so they could be put out for sale. The people there were very special to him.

Steve’s friends will remember his wit and humor, his many varied interests, his ingenuity in fixing and making things, his knowledge of tools, his kind nature, his love of family and friends, and his valiant fight against lifelong health challenges. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Stuart. He is survived by his wife Betty and his daughter Elsy, son-in-law Kelley Steen, brothers Sid (Beth) and Spencer (Cindy), his brother-in-law Dan Boyd in North Carolina, and many family members in Iowa,

With deep thanks to Dr. Westberry and all the caring people at St. Lukes.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a future date. The family suggests donations to Habitat for Humanity Magic Valley in his memory.