Florence L. Mead, 79, passed away on March 29, 2010, at Life Care Center in Post Falls, with her family at her side. Florence was born in Pomeroy, Wash., on Sept. 1, 1930, to Lyman and Alvena Watrus.

The family moved to the Post Falls area in 1933. She married Wilbur W. Mead on Sept. 20, 1947, at the Post Falls Community Presbyterian Church. They have three daughters, Elizabeth (Susie) Williams of Butte, Mont., Edith Spencer Groff of Othello, Wash., and Cindy Mead of Post Falls.

Florence and Wilbur spent more than 62 years of married life in Post Falls except for the period from 1970 to 1982 when they lived in Wilsonville, Ore. Florence took pride in being a great homemaker. She and the whole family were active in the 4-H program, the Pleasant View Community Association, and she and Wilbur were charter members of the Post Falls Historical Society. She took great pleasure in returning the original school bell to the Pleasant View School House, and ringing it whenever she got the chance. During their time in Oregon, she was an avid bowler and took up oil painting. She also enjoyed camping and fishing. She adored her family and took great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a lifelong member of the Royal Neighbors of America.

Florence is survived by her husband, Wilbur; three daughters, and sisters Myrn Sosebee of Tucson, Ariz., and Irene McMinimy of Post Falls; and brother Ted Fredekind of Post Falls. Grandchildren are Shelly (Sean) Cleverly of Butte; Jeanne Kilpatrick, Donna (Aaron) Massey and Charles (Valentina) Spencer all of Moses Lake, Wash. Great-grandchildren are Emily and Allyson Cleverly; Kelly and Kerri Kilpatrick; Dillon, Samantha and Isaiah Massey; and Neal and Jacob Spencer.

She was preceded in death by mother Alvena Fredekind, stepfather Martin Fredekind, sister Phyllis Gharst, and brothers Dennis Watrus and Barney Fredekind.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 3, 2010, at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St., Post Falls.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pleasant View Community Association or the Post Falls Historical Society.