Beatrice F. Johnson, 74

Beatrice F. Johnson took her final flight home on February 22, 2014, without turbulence.

She began her life's journey on August 20, 1939, in Pensacola, Okla., as the third of four daughters born to Lloyd and Helen Webster. Known affectionately as "Big Nose," she was the light of her daddy's eye. They moved to Idaho when she was younger, where she attended school in Notus and Boise.

Bea met and married her life partner, Jim, on November 24, 1954. They welcomed the first of five children, Kathy, on November 1 the following year. Kaye came the next August, just eight days before Bea's birthday. Ed, Ron and Rich joined their sisters within the next five years, completing the family.

Bea was always involved in her children's lives since Jim worked for Consolidated Freightways and was often gone on long distance runs. The family moved from Boise after the first three children, to Billings and then California for the last two. Bea wore many hats as a Girl Scout leader, softball coach, as well as teaching her children how to ride motorcycles.

We were very close to our mom. She got us a paper route so we could earn some "fun" money. We tossed over 500 papers from the back of the pickup before the sun came up, and she rewarded us with fresh Winchell's donuts. We were transferred to Nebraska where she lived before moving to Northern Idaho in 1979.

Bea worked as a telephone switchboard operator, in home health care, and as a waitress in between her role as a homemaker. She loved her Lord, and read her scriptures every day while attending church on the radio. Bea enjoyed bowling, shuffleboard, softball, and in her later years, bird watching. She always had bread for them, but didn't like to get too close. She loved her home in Post Falls with her puppy, Sophie, and enjoyed "puttsing" around outside giving her the best manicured lawn in town. Bea brought her flowers indoors since she wasn't able to be outside due to her emphysema.

Bea was preceded in death by Jim, Ron, Bopie, Mema, and Calvin Schnell, and now joins them in Heaven. She leaves behind her children: Kathy Schnell of Hayden, Kaye (Jerry) Balk of Post Falls, Ed (Kim) of Post Falls, and Rich of North Dakota; grandkids: Shelly Hansen, Tim and Brittney Beaver, Jenn and Mike Stadler, Jon and Amber Beaver, Margo Anderson, Jeremy and Brittney Johnson, Brandon and Dillon Johnson, Kyla and Josh Groneman, Jarett and Braden Johnson, Noah and Audie Johnson; great-grandkids: Conner, Quinn, Cole, Sam, Kia, Einsley, Sadie, and Kady; sisters: Barb Duty, Jo (Don) Granberg, and Verta Fuller; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Thank you Dr. Todd Hoopman, Dr. Billingslea, Dr. Martin, and Crest Home Health Care for taking such great care of Mom these last couple of months. You eased her transition and prepared her for her final flight.

At Mom's request, there will be no service. Mom and Dads' ashes will be spread on a bright sunny day this summer.