JoAnn Virginia Stewart Bega, 74

JoAnn, 74, of Rathdrum, slipped away peacefully, Friday, Aug. 6, 2010, surrounded by her loving family at Kootenai Medical Center, after a three-year battle with breast cancer. She struggled valiantly but in the end was overcome by a force greater than she. JoAnn was born Nov. 2, 1935, in Prairie City, Ore.

JoAnn is survived by her loving husband, Frank; sons Benjamin, Vernon, James and Nicholas; daughters Barbara and Cathleen; her brother, Robert and sister Daina. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Effie Stewart; her older brother, Wesley; older sister Anita; younger brother Sammy and son Bruce.

No services are scheduled at this time. A memorial in her memory will take place later this summer.

In lieu of flowers or cards, please make a donation to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835, in JoAnn's memory. Thank you.

Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.