Betty Bernice Lohman

Betty “Bernice” Lohman, 73, of Sandpoint, Idaho, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend and family matriarch passed peacefully Oct, 27, 2014 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Washington. Bernice was born on Aug. 28, 1941 in Miami Fl. to the late Preston and Sallie Mae Brinson. She was the sixth of eight children. At the age of 19 she moved to Alaska where she raised three children, and worked in the restaurant business. During this time she became the President of the Hotel and Restaurant Employee’s Union, Local 878, and worked briefly as a real estate broker. In1982 she opened “El Toro” Mexican Restaurant, which she owned till 1993 and eventually comprised of two locations, one in Anchorage Ak, and another in Wasilla, Ak. In 1989 she met the love of her life, Mike Lohman. They married on Oct 19, 1990. In 1994 they opened Hotshot and Cinnamon’s Wasilla Bar, in Wasilla, Alaska. In 2004 they retired and settled in Sandpoint, Idaho. Bernice split her time between Idaho, Yuma, Az., and many trips to Alaska to visit grandchildren. Bernice loved her family dearly. Bernice made numerous life-long friends wherever she went. She was known for being compassionate, kind and caring. She was also well known far and wide for her cooking ability. Bernice is survived by her husband Mike Lohman. She is also survived by 5 children, Ron (and Carol) Hayes of Anchorage, Ak., Brenda Hayes (and fiancé Jason) of Wasilla, AK., Kelly Hayes of Las Vegas, NV, step-son John (and Judy) Lohman of Minneapolis, Mn. and step-daughter Christine Lohman of Great Falls, Mt. She is also survived by grandchildren Cassi, Carson, Camryn, Caitlyn, Steven, Savannah, Julia, Brock, Parker, Jennifer, and Jessica. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren. Bernice was preceded in death by step-daughter Beth Rowan, and step-granddaughter Liz Rowan. Her sister Peggy Williams of Valdosta, Ga. passed away Oct. 17, 2014. A celebration of Bernice’s life will be held at Coffelt Funeral Home on Nov. 8th, 2014 at 2 pm., with a reception to follow at Stacey’s Country Kitchen in Sagle at 4 pm. A separate memorial is planned for Nov. 22nd, 2014 in Wasilla Alaska. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association and the Backpack Program through the Bonner Community Food Bank. Further information on charitable donations will be provided at the memorial.