Jill Kristine Nearing, 53

Jill Kristine Nearing passed away suddenly on July 21, 2024, at the age of 53, at her parent's home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She was born Sept. 29, 1970, in Spokane, Wash.

Jill is survived by her loving parents and three beautiful children, who were her most important achievements in life: Brittany Bucsis, Ricky Bucsis, Shaun Hopla, and grandson Mack Murphy. She was an amazing mom and she would do absolutely anything to make her children happy. Her children were her entire life and a huge reason why she was so happy and had a huge smile on her face every single day. She was and will always be loved by her children and husband, Mike Hopla.

She was a bright and shining light, a true gift to her parents, John (Gail) Nearing and Barbara (Arthur) Chestine.

Jill was a native Idahoan and a member of the Lummi Indian tribe. She graduated from Lakeland High School in 1988 and attended North Idaho College. Jill then became a caregiver (CNA) for the elderly for over 30 years. She was the person in everyone’s life that you could call, text, or show up to tell her you had a bad day. She would be there for you and have just the right words to put a smile on your face. Cherished at work, she did exactly what she wanted to do, which was taking care of people. She not only took care of the residents and their families, but she also loved everyone she worked with. 

Sports were a big part of Jill’s life. During her school years, she was active in baseball, basketball and volleyball. As a young adult, she loved to play softball and was on her family’s co-ed softball team. She also enjoyed skiing and swimming. In recent years, as a mother, she loved to play catch with her son, Shaun Hopla, and swim with all her children.

Jill is also survived by siblings Robert (Shannon) Nearing, Art Christine II, Tristina (Danny) Woodbury and Jennifer (Pat) Ealy, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. They all adored their Aunt Jill! “Jilly Bean” meant the world to all her siblings and was the best sister.

She was preceded in death by her loving grandmother, Wilma J. Nau; they had a very special relationship together. Jill always made sure Nana’s birthday was on Q6 news.

Her celebration of life will be Sunday, Aug. 11, at Riverstone Park in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, from 1 to 5 p.m. 

Arrangements are provided by the English Funeral Chapel. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.