Barbara Ann Dennis, 87

Barbara Ann Dennis, Sept. 28, 1939 – Oct. 12, 2016

Barbara Dennis, a beloved teacher, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of family and the many people whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable life.

Barbara was born Sept. 28, 1939, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to Robert and Lillian Boughton. She was proud of her deep Coeur d’Alene roots and her connection to the many families who helped shape the community she loved, including the Boughton, Dennis, Holzer, Perry, Bemis and Pucci families.

Barb and Dale met in seventh-grade orchestra at Coeur d’Alene Junior High School. In high school, Barb was a baton twirler and cheerleader. She later shared her love of twirling by teaching more than 400 children each summer through the Park and Recreation program. Dale played football, basketball and track at Coeur d’Alene High School, where they both graduated in 1957.

Barb and Dale were married Aug. 28, 1960, beginning a life together that grew with the addition of their daughters, Dana in 1961 and Dian in 1963.

Barbara devoted more than 40 years of her life to teaching elementary school, spending most of those years teaching second grade. She had a special gift for connecting with children and making them feel valued, cared for, and capable. Over the decades, she taught generations of students — and eventually taught the children of some of her former students as well.

Her teaching career included Winton, Harding, Borah, Bryan, Dalton and Ramsey schools, as well as many years teaching in Oregon, including in Pendleton and Portland. Barbara took great pride in her students and loved watching them grow. For countless children and families, she became much more than a teacher. For many years, she and Dale took full classrooms to their cabin by boat to spend the night. This was sometimes an introduction to the Lake, boating and campfires, etc., for many of her students. She was a familiar, trusted and caring presence who remained a part of their lives long after they left her classroom.

Barbara and her husband, Dale, also shared a special chapter of their lives when she stepped away from teaching and purchased The Clothesline, a ladies’ boutique in Hayden Lake, from her mom, Lillian. They ran the store together for 10 years, with the help and involvement of family members. Those years brought plenty of hard work, laughter, family memories, and the satisfaction of building something together.

Family was at the heart of Barbara’s life. She treasured the many generations of relatives who remained connected through the years and loved gatherings, especially at the Coeur d’Alene Lake cabin that Barb and Dale built together, as well as traveling to their homes in Yuma, Ariz., and on the Snake River. She loved sharing stories and simply spending time with the people she loved. She valued family traditions and took great pride in keeping generations connected. Her love for her family and friends was evident in the countless relationships she nurtured throughout her life, including some friends that she’s had since first grade!

Barbara is survived by her husband, Dale Dennis; her daughters, Dana Halvorsen and Dian Moore (Danny); and her four grandchildren, Jacob and Nickolas Halvorsen, and McKenna and Mollie Moore.

She is also survived by Dale’s siblings and their spouses: Bill Dennis, Donn Dennis (Doniece) and Joan Pucci (John). Her surviving in-laws include Chris Boughton (Bob) and Mike Perry (Beverly), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Lillian Boughton; her siblings, Bob Boughton, Beverly Perry and Jeanne Bemis (Brice); her sister-in-law, Lynn; and her son-in-law, Floyd Halvorsen.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered and forever a part of the many lives she touched.

There will be a memorial service Monday, Oct. 26, at 1 p.m. at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d’Alene.