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LaWana J. Holden

LaWana J. Holden, age 68, died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018, at Kootenai Health after a courageous battle to fight serious injuries sustained in a vehicle collision on Feb. 23.

LaWana radiated pure light. She was absolutely beautiful and her smile could light up a room. She touched the hearts of many through her generous, giving and loving nature. She was loved throughout her life by so many and we are so thankful for the outpouring of love, prayers and kind words. It confirms what we know about LaWana — she was truly amazing.

LaWana J. Underwood was born on April 29, 1949, to Dale and Lois Underwood in Spokane, Wash. She grew up in Cody, Wyo., with her parents and beloved sister, LaNette Fowler.

LaWana graduated from Cody High School in 1967. She then went on to attend University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, where she graduated in 1971 with a bachelors in business education.

LaWana came to the Coeur d’Alene area in 1986, and it has been her home ever since. It is here that she raised her three children, Brandon, Nikki and Kara. She sacrificed many things in order to provide selflessly for them. LaWana worked as a paralegal for over 30 years. Most recently she owned her own process serving business. She enjoyed the idea of working while being able to explore the beauty of the area.

In 2010 she married Dale Holden. They spent many wonderful hours camping, going on ATV rides and enjoying the regions of the Pacific Northwest with their dog, Bentleigh. The years they were married were some of the happiest years of her life. She loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

LaWana is remembered by so many as someone who listened without judgment and who gave thoughtful advice. She was a loyal and enthusiastic cheerleader with her cowbell on Friday nights, “GO CHS!” Her faith was also important to her, and she spent many hours volunteering at Shepherd of the Hills in Rathdrum. Most of all, she was the best grandmother to her six grandchildren. “Gramma Wanna” was truly the best grandma anyone could ask for.

LaWana was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Holden and by her parents, Dale and Lois Underwood. She is survived by her son, Brandon (Corey) Friis of Hayden, Idaho; daughter, Nikki Friis of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; daughter, Kara (Justin) DeArmond of Weilerbach, Germany; sister, LaNette (John) Fowler of Post Falls, Idaho; nephew, Brian (Katrina) Fowler of Evans, Colo.; grandchildren, Marin, Hannah, Caden, Burke, Livvy and Ingrid; and her Holden step-family members, David (Sandi) Holden of Post Falls, Jeff Holden of Newman Lake, Wash. and Daniel (Sarah) Holden of Post Falls.

LaWana’s memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 13541 W. Highway 53, Rathdrum, Idaho. Pastor Neil Bloom will be presiding. Lunch will follow. LaWana will be interred at a private service at Forest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, LaWana would have preferred donations be made to a charity of your choice in her name. Two charities that she supported are the local food banks and Rhett’s Closet (http://www.shepherdofthehills-rathdrum.org/newsletter). Rhett’s Closet provides new or gently used clothing to children at no cost and is located at Shepherd of the Hills in Rathdrum.

LaWana’s family would like to express their gratitude to the amazing doctors and nurses in the ICU department for their hard work, compassion, and respect for her. The staff will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you to the angels in the ICU. Please visit LaWana’s memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.