Irene Neely

W. Irene (Albertson) Neely passed away Sunday evening, January 12, 2014 at age 79, peacefully, at Luther Park Assisted Living in Sandpoint, Idaho. A person of strong morals and faith, Irene will be deeply missed by her family and friends; yet, we know she is in a better place—in the arms of her beloved husband, Ernest Robert Neely, of almost 61 years, who passed away August 18, 2011. Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 18, 2014 in Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel, Dale Coffelt will be officiating. Interment will be in Pack River Cemetery. Irene—as she is commonly known—was born on December 19, 1934 in Sandpoint, Idaho to William and Wilma (Nash) Albertson. She grew up in the Gold Creek area, going to school through the Ninth Grade, attending Pack River School, Grouse Creek School, and Sandpoint High School, respectively. Irene met Ernest in 1948 while walking home from school, down Overland Hill on Colburn-Culver Road, as Ernest was working on his logging truck broke down on the side of the road. They dated for a couple of years, and finally married on September 2, 1950. Irene and Ernest moved several times in their first four years of marriage, having two children: Linda Irene (1952) and Ernest Randy (1954). After Randy was born, the couple moved to Nevada for four years, where Irene learned her amazing craft of being a mother, housewife, hobbyist, and business partner to her husband. Moving back to Sandpoint on her father’s birthday (April 8), Irene and family built their farmhouse (completing it on July 24—Ernest’s birthday), which become “home” for over 52 years. Irene loved her home more than anyone could. Her love for animals equals that love. For 22 years she devoted her livelihood to the Dairy business with her husband; in 1987, she and Ernest started their miniature animal farm business: 4N MINI MAGIC. Irene’s hobbies were plentiful, consisting of sewing, crocheting, crafting, decorating for the holidays, cooking, working in her massive garden, being and visiting with all her family and friends whenever she got the chance, and making her home a sanctuary of love and hope. For over 50 years, Irene kept a diary of her life, chronicling every happening of herself, Ernest, and the family. There will truly never be anyone like her again. When Irene passed, a precious gem was lost. Irene is survived by her two children: Linda (Cliff Chapin) and Randy Neely (Debra); her four grandchildren: Carmen (John Mace), David Neely, Travis Chapin (Kristin), and Robert Neely (Shelley); her eight great-grandchildren: Elise, Miranda, and Zaida Neely; Rachel and Kellie Mace; and Tyrel, Rory, and Liam Neely; and her brother Don Albertson (Terri); two nieces Nani (Tom Gray) and Tracie (Don Roos); and two nephews: Tom Albertson (Cindy) and Scott Albertson (Teresa). She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Ernest Neely and her parents William (Bill) and Wilma Albertson. Rest in peace G.G.: we will all be together again. We all love you. Irene's family wishes for any memorial contributions to be sent to Oden Busy Bee's c/o Mary Stevens, 882 Lower Pack River Road, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864