Delora Mae Brooks, 94

On Feb. 11, 2023, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dear friend passed away at the age of 94 in Apache Junction, Ariz.

Delora was born Oct. 15, 1928, in Williamsport, Pa., to Harry and Viola Horn. During the Depression, Delora, her parents and her younger brother, Kenneth, moved to Detroit, Mich. Delora was sad she had to leave her grandparents and extended relatives. One of the stories Delora would tell is of her having to sleep in a bathtub for a period of time after arriving in Detroit and until a suitable home could be found for the family. Living through the Depression had a profound effect on Delora, which lasted her entire life.

When Delora was 18, the family moved to Phoenix, Ariz. Delora worked for a utility company and rode the bus to work. The bus stop was across the street from a small family-run grocery store. Delora would stop and get a soda and there she would meet the owner's son, Charles Monroe Brooks.

Delora and Charlie were married March 2, 1951. Together they had four sons who all survive her. Keith (late Mitzi Brooks) and son Tyrell Brooks; David (Carol) and children, Mary, Molly and Andrew Brooks; Robert (Tiffany) and daughter, Shawna (Jason) Thompson and their children, Savannah and Aspen Thompson; Kevin (Melanie) and their children, Ashley Lerner, Lauren Brooks Smith (Steve) and Corey Brooks.

Delora and Charlie eventually moved from Phoenix to Southern California due to Charlie's job transfers. As always, Delora provided a loving home for Charlie and her treasured boys. The boys' memories are of the loving parents and homes they were blessed to be raised in.

Upon Charlie's retirement, a final move was made to Hayden Lake, Idaho, where they built their home. This home was the perfect place for Delora and Charlie to have for their now expanding family with the boy's wives and children to come and share their lives getting to know their grandparents well. For almost 40 years, their loving home was the center where all the family would gather when visiting.

Delora was the perfect host to many friends who came to visit and stay with them. Always cheerful to welcome even their children's friends who happen to be visiting the area. When you stayed at Delora and Charlie's home almost every meal was prepared by Delora.

Delora and Charlie were very involved in philanthropy with Charlie in Mason's and Shriner's and Delora a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Daughter of the Nile, Couer d'Alene Nile Club, Order of the Eastern Star, P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was also a Masonic Widow.

Delora Mae Brooks enriched not only her husband of 72 years, her children and their respective families, but also the countless people she so lovingly embraced into her life.

The family would like to express their special appreciation to Jody McKevitt, George Franco and Fran Stephenson, who were their wonderful friends. They were always so kind and generous in their friendship along with the immense help with making sure Delora and Charlie were tended to with great care in their later years.

A celebration of Delora's and Charlie's life was held April 21, 2023, with their four sons and a few of their friends at their home in Hayden Lake.

The closing chapter of their lives is being done with much sorrow as they were so loving to all and they are still missed by so many and will always be.