Kathleen Whitaker, 65

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Kathleen Ann Whitaker, 65, was unexpectedly called to the Lord in the early morning of Nov. 4, 2015, at her Post Falls, Idaho, home.

Kathleen was born May 29, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in Southern California. She attended North Hollywood High School before relocating to the Inland Northwest with her then-husband, Jim Birkeland, and their three children in 1976.

After a divorce in 1983, Kathleen later married the love of her life, Lonnie Whitaker, in 2004.

A retired private investigator, Kathleen spent her final years as a bookkeeper and was instrumental in helping friends and relatives during the ever-tedious tax season.

Kathleen had a number of hobbies, such as crocheting, computer games, outdoor pursuits, binge-watching obscure television shows (Lifetime Channel) and cooking. She spent the majority of her time, however, helping loved ones and spending time with them. The betterment of their lives was her foremost priority.

She is survived by her loving husband, Lonnie Whitaker of Post Falls; children Tamara Collingwood and Leann Molnar of Post Falls, and Jim Birkeland of Spokane; son-in-law Jeff Collingwood of Post Falls; grandchildren Ryan Collingwood of Helena, Mont., Jeffrey Collingwood of Post Falls, and Kristi Molnar, Thomas Molnar and Christopher Birkeland of Spokane; great-grandchildren Seena Bailey, Silas Collingwood and Dainon Molnar; siblings Bonnie Blackburn of Tulsa, Okla., Ron Novotny of California and Craig Hegel of Post Falls; extended grandchildren Trevor Jordan, Tyler Jordan and Nathaniel Hansen; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her mother, Violet Piziurny; father Phil Becker; sister Lynn Bradley and brother John Novotny.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov, 13, 2015, at English Funeral Chapel in Post Falls. Please view and sign Kathleen’s online registry at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.