Jean Balbi, 70, of Hayden, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, at North Idaho Advanced Care Hospital in Post Falls. She was born Lauretta Jean Morris on Feb. 6, 1941, in Butte, Mont. She was the 12th child and the baby sister out of 14 children born to Thomas and Ethel Morris.

She married David Frank Balbi on Feb. 23, 1963, and celebrated 42 wonderful years together. They raised four children together and were blessed with three grandchildren, and one amazing beagle named "Bonkers."

Jean enjoyed working with all the wonderful staff and students at Hayden Meadows Elementary School. She continued to be involved with the many friends she met, even after her retirement in 2008.

Jean especially enjoyed spending time with her beautiful grandchildren: Tayler, Sara, Devin and the belated "Bonkers." They were the light of her life, especially every "Julogust" (July and August combined together). The three grandchildren would move in with Grandma Jean to attend the annual Art Shop at Hayden Meadows. "Bonkers" was not allowed to attend this, so he was content to be at home away from the noise.

Jean was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dave.

She is survived by her daughter, Teresa, her husband, Kevin (Thomas) and their daughter, Sara; her son, David and his girlfriend Corena, and her sons, Wyatt and Blaine; her daughter, Jamie, her husband, Kevin (Ekness) and their children, Tayler and Devin; her daughter, Beth and husband Curt (Rheinschmidt) and their belated beagle, "Bonkers." She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy; her sister, Irene; her sister, Judy and her husband Charlie (Cannon); her brother, Billy and his wife Connie; her brother-in-law Joe and her sisters-in-law, Betty, Sandy, Bernice and Gelene; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Jean requested donations be made to support the Kimberly Svee Memorial Scholarship fund at Kootenai Medical Center. To know Jean was to love her. She will be dearly missed by all that knew her. Mom, rest in peace with all of our love.

The vigil and Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, at St. Pius Catholic Church with burial at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Jean's memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.