Rachel Bell Thom

Rachel Bell Thom, 101, passed away, at her home, in Sandpoint, Idaho on Saturday, January 17, 2015. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00pm, Wednesday, January 28th in Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel. Craig Wikoff, Sandpoint Church of the Nazarene, will be officiating. Rachel was born on August 18, 1913 in Sallisaw, Oklahoma the daughter of Marion and Elizabeth Yakley. The family moved to the Sandpoint area and she graduated from the Hope High School, Hope, ID; and the Kinman Business University in Spokane, WA. She worked for the Inland Motor Freight Company and the Singer Sewing Machine company. She worked, for 20 years, with the Agricultural Stabilization Service and was also the Bonner County Assessor for 3 years. On April 5, 1942 she married Peter M. Thom in Hope, Idaho. She had lived in Spokane, WA; Hope, ID; Grand Junction, Colorado and Wasilla, Alaska, returning to the Sandpoint area in 2012. The centenarian was active in 4- H and later became a leader. She was a member of the Sandpoint Church of the Nazarene, enjoyed art work, reading and playing the piano. Rachel is survived by two daughters Anita Houidobre in Sandpoint; Janene Lohrey in Wasilla, AK; and a step daughter Judy Parry in Oregon. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren, numerous great and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Peter and two sons Donald and Terrill. The family suggests memorials to the Sandpoint Church of the Nazarene, 477954 Hwy 95, Ponderay, ID 83852 to support the missionary work of the church.