Nell Simpson, 85

Nell Simpson, age 85, of Twin Lakes, Idaho, passed away peacefully Dec. 29, 2024, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Mom was born Nellie Jane Rinehart on Aug. 24, 1939, in Mullin, Texas, population 130, including her. She fondly told stories of her childhood growing up on a Texas ranch with her five siblings and her horse, named Cry Baby. She met the love of her life and future husband, John Simpson, while attending high school in Marfa, Texas. They married Oct. 13, 1957, and remained by each other's side for 62 years. Dad's career brought them from Marfa, Texas, to Thousand Oaks, Calif., in 1964. There, they raised three children, Kari, Charlotte and John Jr. Shortly after Dad's retirement, they moved to a peaceful home in the beautiful woods of Twin Lakes, Idaho.

We'll carry with us so many cherished memories of Mom. She was an amazing cook. Her chicken fried steak and chicken with dumplings recipes are legendary. Her chocolate meringue pies were always a request for holiday desserts. Mom was always willing to help. They could count on her to volunteer for the school PTA or our elementary school classrooms. She was a talented seamstress, sewing most of our dresses and Halloween costumes as children. Later in life, she enjoyed all types of needlework and made beautiful quilts. She loved to read and would most often beat you at Scrabble. You didn't want to sit next to her playing slot machines unless you were OK watching her win jackpots while you just fed more quarters. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her six grandchildren. She'd whip up real mashed potatoes and gravy upon request from any of them. During Idaho winters, she worried that the kids waiting at the bus stop just up the street from our house might be cold in the morning. So, she'd bring the truck, turn on the heater and pile in any that were cold until the bus came. She often made pancakes for the grandkids before school. Soon, children at the bus stop began hearing about the morning pancake feast, and before long, she was making them for any neighborhood children who came.

Maybe most of all, we'll always remember Mom's kind, gentle nature. She never had an unkind word for anyone and could see the good in every person. She was an extraordinary woman, a loving wife and mother and the best grandma a grandchild could ever wish for. We will all miss her terribly. 

She was preceded in death by her five siblings and her husband, John.

She is survived by her three children, Kari (Bill) Mack of Twin Lakes, Idaho, Charlotte (Shawn) Clevenger of Twin Lakes, Idaho, and John Jr (Cindy) Simpson of Peyton, Colo. And her beloved six grandchildren, Jordan, Kelsey, Molly, Emily, Tyler and Erica. And six great-grandchildren.

Mom's family would like to say a special thank you to the loving nurses, aides and staff at Life Care Center of Coeur d'Alene, who held mom's hand and helped care for her over the last year. We are so grateful. 

Arrangements by English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls, Idaho. Condolences to the family at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.