Wanda J. Kirkpatrick, 79

Lolo-Wanda J. Kirkpatrick, 79, of Coeur d'Alene, died in Missoula, Mont. on Jan. 9, 2015, with her son and daughter-in-law by her side. She had fought a long and hard battle with emphysema and COPD that finally became too much.

Wanda was born July 15, 1935, in Emmett, Idaho, to William A. and Doris (Stawl) Dillon. When the family moved to Emmett in the mid-'30s, Wanda was the first of their children born in Emmett. Wanda worked at the Emmett Cannery where she met Bill while working with her future mother-in-law.

Wanda married Bill Kirkpatrick of Emmett in 1953. Wanda and Bill ran the Emmett drive-in theater for four years starting in 1957. Wanda then retired in 1961 to raise their two children Robert "Bob" and Darren, and to be a loving wife and caretaker to her husband who was a Korean War disabled veteran.

Wanda and Bill moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1969 where they raised cattle, raised their children, cared for their many dogs, and enjoyed the Coeur d'Alene scenery and outdoors. Later in life at their Coeur d'Alene home they both enjoyed yard work, their beautiful flowers, and a fabulous golden delicious apple tree which the family also enjoyed for years. Wanda and Bill also took pride in their small dogs Tassy, Teko, and finally, Mom's Mac.

This last year, Wanda sold her home in Coeur d'Alene and moved to Montana to be closer to Bob and Linda. Wanda and Linda really enjoyed some shopping trips and lunches out. Wanda also enjoyed the family dinners and game playing, along with seeing the countryside.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Doris Dillon; her husband, Bill; her son, Darren; sisters Florence, Ruth and Pearl; and brothers Billy, Buck and Neil.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Linda Kirkpatrick of Stevensville, Mont.; granddaughter and her husband Hether (Kirkpatrick) and Jake Sheppard; grandsons Cory and Jay Blanken, and wife Shannon; great-granddaughters Evie Blanken and Cadence Sheppard; great-grandsons Trent and Rylan Blanken; brother and sister-in-law Lee and Linda Dillon; sister Doris Schneider; and numerous nieces and nephews. Wanda is also survived by her in-laws Mick and Glenda Kirkpatrick; Larry and Hazel Gorino; Irma and Melvin Pook; and Janie and Sam Mitchell.

Wanda was a member of the DAV and Fleet Reserve.

At Wanda's request, there will be no services. She was cremated and will be placed beside her beloved son Darren, husband Bill, and sister-in-law Ruth in Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Wanda's honor be made at a local Humane Society, or the American Lung Association.

Thanks to the "angels" that watched over Wanda, especially those at the second floor of Community Medical Center in Missoula.

Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.