Lynnelle 'Nelle' Coler, 52

Nelle Coler and the cancer that has plagued her for four years died on Sept. 9, 2011. Lynnelle Marie Scott was born in Missoula, Mont., on May 29, 1959, to Ray and Barbara (Pemble) Scott. The family moved frequently when Nelle was young, including time in Hot Springs, Pocatello and Lewiston. The moves provided early lessons in how to adjust to new situations and people, skills that would serve her well. Nelle graduated from Plains High School in 1977. Due in part to a poor economy and high unemployment, Nelle put her plans to attend Western Montana College of Education on a basketball scholarship on hold in favor of an enlistment in the US Army as a helicopter mechanic.

While stationed at Ft. Campbell, Ky., Nelle met and, in 1979, married Dale Coler, the smartest thing she ever did. Although both enjoyed military service, the couple felt strongly that a family should have only one deployable parent so Nelle left active duty after completing her initial obligation. A little over a year later their daughter Emerald was born, followed in another four years by brother Russell.

Dale's military career took him all over the globe including South Korea, Honduras and Saudi Arabia while Nelle and the kids remained stateside. Being stationed almost exclusively on the east coast provided wonderful opportunities to learn about our country's history and visit historical sites. Volunteering and community service were always important to Nelle. In 1987 she ran for and was elected Mayor at Ft. Eustis, Va. Transfer of the family to Savannah, Ga., in 1989 precluded a second term. While Nelle remained interested in politics she did not feel the urge to run for office again. Dale completed his 20 years of service at Ft. Hood, Texas, and the family moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1996. Nelle worked for the American Red Cross as the Emergency Services Coordinator. She worked with jurisdictions and first responders throughout the Panhandle, relationships that served her well when she later went to work for Panhandle Area Council (PAC).

PAC was Nelle's ideal job; she found it gratifying to help cities and counties with economic development, whether creating jobs or the infrastructure to support them. She particularly enjoyed projects that stretched her abilities such as the Empire Airlines hangars and those projects that she helped design and that required participation by the public, such as FireSmart and SEEP.

Nelle is survived by her husband of 32 years, Dale Coler of Coeur d'Alene; daughter Emerald (Aaron) Schwenken; grandchildren Gabriel and Cassandra Schwenken of Nampa; son Russell Coler of Coeur d'Alene; father Ray Scott of Coeur d'Alene; mother Barbara (Bob) Hickey of Bothell, Wash.; sister Andrea Robinson; nephews Parker and Zackary Robinson; and brother Jordan Scott of Moses Lake, Wash.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or other donations, Nelle suggested planting an extra vegetable to share, or completing an anonymous good deed.

English Funeral Chapel of Coeur d'Alene has been entrusted to handle final arrangements. Please visit Nelle's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.