Helen White-Payne, 67

Helen White-Payne went to be with the Lord and her beloved husband, Jim Payne, on Dec. 31, 2010, after a courageous battle with heart disease. Helen was born April 6, 1943, to Willard and Neva Searle in Pocatello.

Helen married Wesley White on Sept. 1, 1961, and she spent the next 25 years raising five children: Brad, Tim, David, Shelly and Stephanie. Helen and Wes divorced in 1985 and Helen started her career as a dialysis technician for Sacred Heart Medical Center and later Kootenai Medical Center. Helen worked for 22 years serving her patients with commitment and love.

She met the love of her life, Jim Payne in 2006 and they were married July 21, 2007, and lived in the Wolf Lodge area. Helen and Jim spent every moment together enjoying their retirement with fishing, camping and traveling. This was the happiest time of Helen's life.

Jim passed away suddenly on Oct. 21, 2007, leaving her heartbroken. Helen's battle with heart disease started soon after Jim's passing and she tackled it with her typical stubborn and independent approach to life. Helen loved to cook, crochet, camp, fish and had a work ethic that was legendary among her family, co-workers and friends. Helen cherished her children, grandchildren and her three-pound canine companion, Lucy Lou.

She is survived by her children: Brad (Jana) White of Hayden, Tim (Lisa) White of Beaverton, Ore., David (Michele) White and grandchildren Kayley, Aleesha and Luke White, all of Coeur d'Alene, Shelly (Phil) Boyd and grandchildren Emily and Hannah Boyd of Dalton Gardens and Stephanie White of Coeur d'Alene; brothers: Bill, Frank and Bob Searle.

Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, is entrusted with final arrangements.

Please visit Helen's online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.