G’Nell DeLack, 83

G’Nell DeLack, 83. She was born in San Antonio, Texas, a graduate of Ursuline Academy and a communicant of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. While raising her family, the house was always full of fun and laughter. She was a mom to many and built a haven for all.

In San Antonio, she worked for Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, where she broke many glass ceilings. She was the first woman in the organization to hold many of the roles she earned and took none of them for granted. She mentored and led many who are today still grateful for her as a role model. She retired in 1991 and traveled to the northwest to enjoy retirement in Idaho. 

As if retirement wasn’t fulfilling enough, she and Bill decided to purchase a business in 1992 and became Papa Murphy’s franchisees until fully retiring in 2004.  From there, they took retirement on the road and traveled the U.S., seeing beautiful places and meeting many new lifelong friends.  She even got Bill to travel to the Holy Land which was one of her bucket list items.

She leaves her beloved husband of 63 years, William DeLack; three daughters: Renee Hultin and her husband, Johan, Traci Elliott and her husband, Ed, and Tanya Cavanaugh and her husband, DJ; her 12 grandchildren: Joseph, McKayla and husband Steven, Lynee, Sam and wife Sonya, Allie and husband Jaxson, Annika, Gavin and wife Katy, Alex; and one great-grandson, Samson.

G’Nell had three things that meant the most to her in life: God, family and the state of Texas. You can take the girl out of Texas, but you cannot take Texas out of the girl. She was a master entertainer. If you were ever over for dinner, you know it always included cocktails with appetizers, a full-course meal, and never forget the dessert. If you left hungry, it was your own fault. She celebrated with zest birthdays, graduations, and holidays. Christmas in the DeLack household was an event not to be missed, and the traditions created magic and memories of a lifetime for her family.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 12, 2024, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A rosary at 10:30 a.m. before the mass and interment of remains in the columbarium immediately following. In lieu of flowers, she asked for donations in her memory to be made to Mission Concepcion, 263 Felisa, San Antonio, TX 78210.

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