Irma Frances Blayne

Irma F. Blayne passed away on August 18, 2012 at Life Care Center of Sandpoint. Irma was born on April 14, 1926 in Wellpinit, WA to Jack and Nora Wynecoop. She was the oldest of four children and a member of the Spokane Indian Tribe. She moved to Chelan, WA at age 14 and graduated from Chelan High School in 1944. After high school she worked as an operator for General Telephone where she met and later married Bob Blayne, at which time she became a full time wife and mother. She was very involved in her children’s activities both in school and out, including being a Cub Scout den mother for several years. Bob and Irma moved to the coast of Washington and after retirement bought a commercial fishing boat so they could pursue their love of fishing. Irma also had a great love of books and reading as well as tole-painting, knitting, crocheting and sewing. While living in the Seattle area she became a huge Seattle sports fan and continued to root for the Seahawks, Mariners, and Sonics throughout her life, even after they moved back to the Priest River area to be near her family. She was the heart and soul of her family’s life and she will be missed. Gram you’ll always be in our hearts. She was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Nora Wynecoop, husband Bob Blayne, and siblings Marvin Wynecoop and Joyce Wynecoop. She is survived by her sister Marian Overbay; children - Richard (Kay) Blayne, Sharon (Dan Hand) Wilson, Zeke (Mike) Sanderson, and Curtis Blayne; grandchildren - Desi Cunningham, Pam Westfall, Virgil Cunningham, Chris Blayne, and Michelle Bebow; along with numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at Sherman-Knapp funeral home in Priest River, ID on Saturday September 15 at 1 pm followed by a graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery.