Elsie Toews, 82

Elsie (Hiebert/Amoth) Toews, 82, born August 16, 1931, Langdon, ND, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, Bethdel Home, Montezuma, KS, Sept. 12, 2013, after suffering another stroke. Service and burial was at Salem Mennonite, Copeland KS. Sept 16. Mother cherished happy memories of her childhood, including making music with her father and brothers. SHe lost her Mother at age 2, her father at age 13. She surrendered her life to JESUS and was baptized at 15. She and two sisters were adopted, moved to Binners Ferry, ID. Mother married Norm Toews at Bonners Ferry, October 9, 1949. They lived in Linden, Alberta; Bonners Ferry; Greeley, CO; Coeur d'Alene; the last few months in Montezuma. Mother was skilled and talented in reflexology, school bus driving, AARP driver training, working as a CNA / seamstress. One of her special skills and love was sewing men's suits. SHe also loved crocheting, gardening, canning, cooking, baking....Homemaker and Mother extraordinaire!!! Mother especially loved butterflies, enjoyed poetry, singing, writing, and playing music, doing jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku and Rummikub. She never stopped learning, took her GED at 55. Listening to her read and sing are among our most treasured memories. Now we see her flying with butterflies and singing with angels. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Norm, Coeur d'Alene; 5 children: Berton (Carolyn), WY; Cheryl (Ron) Unruh, KS; Rosalee (Ron) Toews, Hayden ID; Russell (Cynthia), AZ; son Darcy, Rathdrum ID; 17 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, all 13 siblings, and one grandson. Memorials payable to Bethel Home c/o Swaim Funeral Chapel Montezuma, visit online atwww.swaimfuneralhome.com. Memorial service at Faith Presbyterian, Hayden ID, Sat. Oct. 12-11:00 AM

"The day is done, and the darkness falls from the wings of Night,

As a feather is wafted downward from an eagle in his flight...

And the night shall be filled with music, and the cares, that infest the day,

Shall spread their wings, like butterflies, and as silently fly away."

A favorite poem by H.W. Longfellow (revised for the occasion).