Thelma M. Bisbee, 99

Thelma M. Bisbee, 99, passed away at Life Care Center in Post Falls on Jan. 24, 2011.

Thelma was born in St. John, N.D., on April 21, 1911. Early in her life, Thelma grew very ill and was not expected to make it, but with her stepfather's attentive assistance, she persevered. She was raised on a farm, and helped clean houses. She was a tireless worker.

Thelma met Americus Bisbee, a young man who worked for her mother, and the two married on Nov. 7, 1934. They lived in North Dakota where they welcomed two daughters: Beverly and Betty. In the early 1950s the family moved to Southern California where Thelma worked for Howard Hughes assembling wire bundles on aircraft. She and Americus enjoyed dancing, and were frequently spotted at "Town Hall Party" a local country western dance hall. She was motivated by Jack LaLanne to keep active, and continued to do so well into her later life.

After visiting her granddaughter who was attending college in North Idaho, Thelma moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1991. She loved to cook, and was well known for her immaculate award-winning crocheting.

She is survived by her two daughters: Beverly (William) Jones of Coeur d'Alene and Betty (Wayne) Crook of Post Falls; six grandchildren: Cory, Danny, Perry, Kim, Chris and Mike; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Thelma is preceded in death by her husband, Americus; her parents; as well as all of her siblings.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. She will be interred in California at a later date.