Barbara Sue Nilson, 83

Our mother was born in Flora, Ill., on July 10, 1932. She passed away peacefully at Guardian Angel Homes in Post Falls, Idaho, on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015.

When mom was only 8 years old, she moved to Tucson, Ariz. She remembered that she was one of the only kids in her class that was white. She was surrounded by many different cultures and this is where my mom learned to love all people. She graduated from Tucson High in 1950 and that same year met dad, Doug Nilson, who turned out to be the love of her life. Dad was stationed at Davis Monthan Air Force Base at the time and together they moved to Seattle in 1955, after dad got out of the service. They had five children together and loved their later life, going between Seattle, Tucson and Coeur d’Alene.

Barbara was one of the sweetest people in the world. Everyone that got to know her, called her their best friend. They also called her an Angel, for her service to them and our family. She was not only the rock and foundation of our family, but the glue that held all of us together.

She is survived by her sons, Ron Nilson, Gary Nilson and daughter Susie Mercer. She also has 24 grandchildren that will miss her dearly.

Local services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, at Bell Tower Funeral Home, 3398 E. Jenalan Ave., Post Falls (just east of Walmart). Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, at Holyrood Cemetery, 205 NE 205th St., Shoreline, Wash. (in the mausoleum).

You may visit Barbara’s online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.