Beatrice 'Bea' Roope, 89

On April 6, 2023, Beatrice Winnifred (Nuttelman) Roope passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side having lived a very full life. Bea was born in the McLeod River Valley, Alberta, Canada, on June 22, 1933, to William P. Nuttelman and Alison E. (Granger) Nuttelman. In 1941, Bea moved with her family to McLean, Va. There her family purchased a farm in Richardsville, Va., where they farmed and logged. She and the family moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in 1948, where Bea attended school, graduating from CHS in 1952. During high school, Bea was active in General Girls Associations, the White Pine Newspaper, Annual staff and as a Thespian in plays including “Our Town.”

After graduation, Bea moved to Spokane, Wash. While working as a carhop at Gage Drive-In, she met and soon after married Joseph T. Roope Sr. The couple moved to Coeur d’Alene, where they raised their family. During those years, Bea was a homemaker and a seamstress. In 1973, Bea began work as a teacher’s aid and went on to serve 17 years as the secretary at Harding Elementary. Bea continued an active life after the passing of her husband, Joe Sr. passing the years with her interest in art, reading, gardening and travel. During her retirement years, Bea enjoyed singing with the 3Cs, actively participating in many book clubs, and volunteered at the Museum of North Idaho and the CHS All Class Reunion Committee.

Bea was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Sr.; daughter, Deb Roope; brother, Robert A. Nuttelman; and special friend, Norman Radford. She is survived by her sons, Dan (Pam) Roope and Joe Jr. (Susie) Roope, and daughter Jodi (Russ) Wilson; sister Laura Heyn; over a dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Bea was loved by all.

In memory of Bea, contributions can be made to the Museum of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene, Viking Booster Club (Bronze Viking Statue Project) or Coeur d’Alene Public Library: Friends of the Library.

A celebration of Bea’s life will be held Friday, April 14 at Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, at 744 N. Fourth St. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Bea’s Fruitland Lane home following the service. Interment will be at Forest Cemetery.

Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhome.com.