Phyllis Holte, 97

Phyllis Holte went home to her Lord on June 20, 2023. She was born April 26, 1926, to Shell and Magdalene Gunlock in Portal, N.D. Her father died when she was two, leaving her mother to raise Phyllis and her brothers on a small farm. She went to a country school and later became a country schoolteacher. She was a wonderful teacher and she loved it. Later, she would help her children with their studies at the dining table.

Dale (Buddy) Holte was a special neighbor boy she met when she was five. Phyllis married Buddy on June 27, 1948. They farmed in North Dakota, moved on to Havre, Mont., and eventually arrived in Hayden, Idaho, in the mid-fifties. They celebrated 73 wonderful years together. They were blessed with five children: Ronald, Sherlene (Ron Mendive), Randy (Jane Finney), Kim (Dianna Simons) and Rodney (Cindy Lepka). The Holte family grew in numbers with 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

When the children were in school, Phyllis went to work for Claire-Pendar company in Post Falls. She enjoyed working on the assembly line and retired after 20 years.

Dad and Mom loved to dance and travel. They enjoyed wintering for 19 years in Mesa, Ariz. When mom was home, she baked bread and her famous “Grandma’s Buns”. She enjoyed tending her yard and flowers and spending time with her family. Phyllis was a gentle, kind, caring mother, wife, sister and friend.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers; two sons: Ronald and Rodney; and two daughters-in-law: Cindy Holte and Jane Holte. Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Sherlene; sons, Randy and Kim and their families; and brother, Andy and family.

She was a charter member of Christ the King Lutheran Church where Phyllis’s service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 10, 2023, at 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Phyllis’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com