Eva Pearl Rex, 86

Eva Pearl Rex quietly slipped away from us on June 5, 2013. She was 86 years young and a feisty little devil right to the end. Her life was a colorful bouquet of many friends and family that will dearly miss her warm smile and laughter. Mama never met a stranger and was always helping those who were down on their luck. It didn't matter if they were hungry, broke or both, she was a friend to all who needed her. Mama was born at home near Steptoe, WA on March 6, 1927 to Bill and Pearl Jackson. She was the oldest child of four, and the only girl. She was followed by brothers Wayne, Frank, and Richard. She was a mother hen to the boys and they were very close to their sister. They looked out for Mama in later years and included her in many trips across country including Hawaii. She would talk about these excursions for months. On April 24, 1944, Mama and Daddy ran off to Anaconda, Mt and got married. They told the story of having 27 flat tires on that trip. In 1946, they began raising a family of their own. They had four children, Linda, Kitty, Terry, and Debbie. These four children presented their parents with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mama worked as a bartender for over 45 years. She worked at the Log Cabin, Phil's Club, King's, Mac's Bar, State Line Tavern, Longhorn Barbecue and the Eagles to name a few. It was said she poured a damn good drink. In 1972, Daddy passed away and Mama moved to Portland, OR and managed an apartment complex. She later moved to Pasco, WA and managed apartments for several years. She then returned to the Newport and Sandpoint areas. Mama was then reunited with a childhood sweetheart, Clarence "Bob" Robeson through his sister Mabel. They got married and spent a few short years together before Bob passed away. Shortly thereafter Mama moved to Post Falls. For the past several years, Mama worked as a senior companion, taking care of "old" people. Of course, most of these old folks were many years younger than she was. She was doing this until a couple weeks before she passed away. Mama was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husbands Clair Rex and Bob Robeson and her daughter Kitty last September. She is survived by her children Linda, Terry, and Debbie. Grandchildren Rhonda, Fred, Randy, Angela, Stacey, Dave, Krista, Christy, Denice, Jamie and Kelly and way too many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to try to remember! Thanks to Hospice of North Idaho and a special thanks to Joi whom Mama thought was so very special. Huge thanks to Dr. Covelli for being so kind and caring all these years. At Mama's request there were no funeral services, but her family wishes to honor her with a potluck to celebrate the life of our awesome Mama, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. Friends and family are asked to join us at the Eagles Lodge in Newport on Saturday, September 28th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Please wear bright colors, purple and red are good, and bring lots of good stories to tell. Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Newport is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at sherman-knapp.com