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Betty Jean Cardwell

Oct. 12, 1931 — April 12, 2019

On April 12, 2019, Betty Jean Cardwell, a longtime resident of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully at Generations Assisted Living in Rathdrum, Idaho, at the age of 87.

Born Oct. 12, 1931, in Sandy, Colo., to Anthony and Bertha Strovas, Betty was the eldest of four children. She married the love of her life, WWII Navy Veteran Ernest (Jack) Cardwell, of St. Maries, Idaho, in 1947. They resided in Prineville, Ore., before moving back to live permanently in Idaho in 1964. Their lifelong marriage lasted over 65 years until Jack pre-deceased Betty in 2013.

As she and Jack ran the Cardwell family businesses, Betty’s life was full of warmth, love, strength and kindness, which she shared with her family and many friends in the Coeur d’Alene area. A skilled outdoors person, she enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as gardening, baking, canning, sewing, bowling and so much more!

Betty was a devoted wife and mother and the light she brought to this world will live on through her son, Pat Cardwell; her daughter, Susan Cardwell Serna; her cherished grandchildren, Heather Schreiber, Eric Cardwell, Annette Wilkerson, Lindsay Matheson and Stephanie Brannon; as well as her 12 great-grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members. Betty was a wonderful person who left us a legacy of grace and beauty and no words can express the loss felt at her passing.

Her family wishes to welcome all those who knew Betty and Jack and the Cardwell family to join them at a celebration of her life at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2019, at The Coeur d’Alene Eagles Lodge, 209 Sherman Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Special thanks to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and all those who have offered their love and support. Arrangements are entrusted to Bell Tower Funeral Home. www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.