Suzanne E. Babb, 78

Suzanne E. Babb, 78, entered into rest in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Sept. 21, 2014.

Suzanne was born on Aug. 3, 1936, in Moscow, Idaho, to Omer Watson and Marjean Crites Watson. She enjoyed her childhood growing up in Whitman County with her seven siblings. Suzanne attended local schools, graduated from Garfield High School, and attended the University of Idaho. She was active in 4H, FHA, Band, Choir, Drama, Cheerleading, and Rainbow Girls.

In 1955, Suzanne married the love of her life, James W. Babb, and they began their 59-year love affair. They raised three wonderful daughters.

Suzanne was an active woman. She liked to say she was a bookkeeper, when in fact she was co-owner of The Image, a retail clothing store in downtown Spokane, and owner of both Suzanne's and J. Wellington's, also retail clothing stores in Spokane Valley. She was also bookkeeper for Babb Bros. Fertilizer and Hinton Floorcovering.

Proud of her memberships, Suzanne was Past President of the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, Past President of Suburbanites, a Lilac Festival Director and a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed her Bridge, quilting, sewing, gardening and cooking.

Although Suzanne had her favorites like the Cougars, EWU, Gonzaga, Seahawks, PGA, the Olympics and car racing, her greatest joy was watching her grandchildren play soccer, football, gymnastics, dance team, baseball, karate, and other sports.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her grandson, Jansen Badinger, and her parents. She is survived by her loving husband, James W. Babb, at their Coeur d'Alene Lake home; daughters Brenda Burke (Kevin), Jennifer Badinger (Brian), and Karla Gehlen (Brian); seven siblings: Nancy Cochran, Dorothy Silvey, Jean McCown, Carolyn May, Omar Watson, Riley Watson, and Paula Collier; and grandchildren Kolby Burke (Sheena), Kylie Burke McKay (John), Jordan Badinger, and Jacob Gehlen.

A celebration of her life will be held from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Red Lion Inn at the Park, Skyline Ballroom, 303 W. North River Drive, Spokane, Wash.; phone (509) 326-8000. Private entombment at The Pines Cemetery, Spokane Valley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Suzanne's memory to her grandson's foundation at Central Valley High School: Jansen's Door, 821 S. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99037. Please visit her guestbook at www.riplingerfuneralhome.com.