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Elsie Van Klaveren, 94

Our beloved mother, Elsie Van Klaveren, peacefully passed away at the age of 94.

She was born in the small village of South Kyme, England, one of six children to Thomas and Susan Castledine on April 10, 1922.

She met the love of her life, William Van Klaveren (Bill) during World War II at a dance while he was stationed in England and they wed in 1944. Two years later mom arrived in Spokane, Wash., to start her new life with her husband and small daughter in the United States!

Her life was very busy raising three children and moving 17 times with her husband’s career throughout the western U.S., and with every move, mom made it her mission to make each new place a warm and cozy home for her family. We all admired our mom’s strength and determination, she was very independent and lived in her own home and drove her car until recently.

Our mom was an avid bridge, pinochle and cribbage player and enjoyed making friends and acquaintances throughout our parents many different locations, but really enjoyed playing cards at the local senior centers after they retired in Coeur d’Alene in 1978.

She is survived by her three children, Sandra (Chuck) Reher in Laramie, Wyo., Richard (Randy) Van Klaveren in Hayden, Idaho, and Susan (Jim) Laughtland in Scottsdale, Ariz.; and her seven grandchildren, Arienna, Travis, Joshua, Thomas, Kristy, David and Mathew; eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Mom was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and grandson Jason Reher.

Our family is planning a memorial service to be held in Coeur d’Alene this spring or summer.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. You may visit Elsie’s memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.