Eva Marie Knutson, age 93, passed away at Kootenai Medical Center in

Coeur d’Alene on July 17, 2010.

Eva was born in Orrin, N.D., on Sept. 8, 1916, to Egidius and

Francisca (Huberlach) Gross.

Eva married David J. Thomson in Crosby, N.D., in 1934; the two

divorced in 1967. In 1970, Eva married Myron S. Knutson in Coeur

d’Alene.

Eva and Dave left Fortuna, N.D., in 1934, resided in Livingston,

Mont., for two years, came to Coeur d’Alene in 1936 and then purchased

a two-room cabin with 7.5 acres on Orchard Avenue in Hayden. As the

family grew, so did the house. It was 10 rooms by 1958 when the family

moved to Coeur d’Alene. Eva lived at Bestland Retirement between June

2005 and June 2010. She spent her last six weeks at the Sylvan House

in Hayden.

Although a homemaker most of her life, Eva was employed at the

Sourdough Restaurant, Pines Bakery, Coeur d’Alene Country Club, and

Clare Pendar. For many years she was a housekeeper and nanny for Dr.

and Ida Hawkins. She also tried her hand at selling Tupperware and

Avon.

She was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church for 75 years. She was a

member of the church auxiliary, helped with the annual bazaar, and

worked in the St. Thomas Community Kitchen for eight years, was a

Hospice volunteer, and delivered “meals on wheels.” She belonged to

Rambling Rovers and thoroughly enjoyed all the trips and friends she

made.

Eva loved camping, fishing, and trips to Alaska with Myron. An avid

gardener, she was especially proud of her roses and dahlias. She

crocheted Afghans and made many, many baby blankets for new arrivals

in the family, and the church bazaars. Other priorities were family

gatherings and visiting with her many friends. We all loved her and

will miss her more than we can imagine. We know she is at peace in

heaven.

She is survived by four sons, Timothy Thomson of Rose Lake; David

Thomson (Mary) of Silverton; Steven Thomson of Lane, Idaho; Michael

Thomson of Richland, Wash.; two step-sons Lonnie Knutson (Bev.) of

Hoonah, Alaska; Ronald Knutson (Susan) of Palermo, Calif.; three

daughters, Patricia Perry (Wally) of Athol; Janet Braden (Pat) of

Coeur d’Alene; Diane Olson of Spokane; and one step-daughter, Mary

Steele (Joe) of Dalton Gardens. At last count, Eva had a total of 135

grandchildren (including greats and great-greats). She is also

survived by three sisters-in-law, Patty Knutson of LaCross, Wash.;

Doris Gross of Spokane; Arlene Gross of Boise, and one brother-in-law,

Chuck Knutson (Lyndall) of Deer Park, Wash.

Eva is preceded in death by her parents Egidius and Francisca (both in

1946), her husband Myron B. Knutson (April 10, 1985) as well as her

ex-husband David J. Thomson (April, 1981). Eva was the last surviving

child of 13 siblings. She is preceded in death by seven brothers, Alex

Gross of Orrin, N.D.; John Gross of N.D.; Ignatius (Ned) of Coeur

d’Alene; Frank Gross of Spokane; Joseph Gross of Spokane; Peter Gross

of San Francisco; Egidi (Eddie) Gross of Boise; five sisters, Louise

Gignac of Chicago; Zita Bittner of Spokane; Barbara Kapaun of Coeur

d’Alene; Frances Kapaum of Missoula, Mont.; Magdalene Knutson of Coeur

d’Alene; two sons, David J. Thomson, infant, (Jan. 20, 1941), and

Daniel R. Thomson (July 17, 1989); five daughters, Florence M.

Thomson, infant, (1934), Marie Thomson, infant (Feb. 27, 1938),

Virginia K. Thomson (March 1, 1952 - Feb. 14, 1954), Angela E. Koester

(April 11, 1943 - Sept. 1, 1983), Marina S. Schneider (Oct. 29, 1939 -

May 20, 2010).

Memorials contributions may be made to St. Thomas Auxiliary, 919 E.

Indiana Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

A vigil service will be held Sunday, July 25, at 7pm, at English

Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. 4th St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. The Funeral

mass will be conducted Monday, July 26 at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas

Catholic Church, 919 E. Indiana Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Following the

mass, burial will take place at St. Thomas Cemetery, Coeur d’Alene.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to English Funeral Chapel,

Coeur d’Alene.