Ernest Robert Neely

Ernest Robert Neely, 79, passed away on Thursday evening, August 18, 2011 at Luther Park in Sandpoint. Funeral services will be conducted 1:00PM, Tuesday, August 23, 2011 in Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Steve Neuder, officiating. Interment will follow in Pack River Cemetery. He was born in Buffalo, Wyoming on July 24, 1932. He moved to the Sandpoint area in 1946 where met Irene Albertson a couple of years later. On September 2, 1950 they were married in her folks’ house on Gold Creek Road. They moved several times in their first four years of married life, having two children in that time. In 1954, after their son Randy was born, they moved to Nevada for four years where Ernest was a welder for Anaconda Mining Company. On his birthday in 1958 they moved into the house he built on Rapid Lightening road. They lived there for over 52 years. From 1958 until 1970 Ernest logged and operated equipment, an occupation he loved and enjoyed. In 1970 he and Irene built their landmark red milk barn and started a dairy that operated until 1992. Five years earlier, in 1987, they bought their first miniature horses, and for the rest of their retirement years they operated 4N Mini Magic. Ernest truly loved his family and his role as husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor, and patriarch, protecting and nurturing his family as they grew. A more honest, hardworking, generous man will never be found. His word was sealed with a handshake. Ernest is survived by his wife of almost 61 years, Wilma Irene; daughter: Linda Irene Chapin (Cliff Chapin); son Ernest Randy Neely (Debby Neely), granddaughter: Carmen Mace (John Mace), grandsons Travis Chapin, Ernest David Neely (Julie Neely), Robert Neely (Shelley Neely), and eight great grandchildren: Elise Neely, Rachel Mace, Miranda Neely, Kellie Mace, Zaida Neely, Tyrel Neely, Rory Neely, and Liam Neely. He was preceded in death by his grandparents William Henry Neely (Sally Darrell) of Texas, Charles Washbaugh (Agnes Cavaness) of Buffalo, Wyoming; his parents Ed Neely (Ruth Evelyn Neely),all buried in Pack River Cemetery; and an infant sister Evelyn Neely buried in Buffalo, Wyoming. Memorials may be sent to the Oden Community Hall in care of Mary Stevens, 882 Lower Pack River Road, Sandpoint, Id 83864.