Kathleen 'Kae' Rae Buvel, 88

In loving memory of Kae, who resided in Coeur d’Alene and passed away peacefully Feb. 24, 2024, at the age of 88. Kae was born in Hutchinson, Kan., on Dec. 29, 1935. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. 

Kae graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1956 and attended the nursing program at NIC Junior College. Kae married Robert H. Buvel in June 1964, blending her three daughters with Bob’s six children, making a family of nine children. She worked at Kootenai Memorial Hospital and then various restaurants in the Cd’A community later in life.

Kae was a talented self-taught artist. She opened her own studio, where she taught painting to students of all ages. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, painting, gardening and visiting with friends. 

Kae is survived by her daughters: Laura Henderson (Buvel); Gina Dingman (Buvel), Cindy Byrne (Buvel), Michele Elder (Buvel); sons Robert, and David Buvel; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and brothers Thom Higgins and Clifford Haydon. She is preceded in death by her mother, Viola Haydon; father Guilford Higgins; stepfather Keith Haydon; brothers Lee, Bill, and John Higgins; husband Robert H. Buvel; sons Raymond, and William Buvel; and daughter Colleen Calvert (Buvel).

Rest in peace, Kae — you will be missed.

There are no services planned at this time. Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Kae’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.