Betty Lou Clemetson, 78, went to Heaven to be with her Lord Jan. 30, 2011. She was born in Roswell, N.M., Aug. 19, 1932, to John and Elsie (Haggerton) Earnest.

She grew up in Roswell and in the west Texas area until graduating from high school in Lipan, Texas. She then moved with her family to Coeur d'Alene where she met and married the love of her life and soul mate, Leroy Clemetson, Dec. 2, 1951. They farmed in the Meadowbrook area on Clemetson Road for 36 years and there raised five children.

She was a homemaker, accomplished quilter, seamstress, hand-crafter and loved to make dinners and dessert for other people. She was a member of the Dalton Gardens Church of Christ and after retirement they became full-time missionaries, traveling with the Sojourners throughout the Lower 48 States, Alaska and Canada.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leroy; parents John and Elsie Earnest; brother and sister-in-law John and June Earnest.

Survivors include son Carl Clemetson of Bellingham, Wash.; daughters and sons-in-law, Carol Clemetson and Bill Powers of Priest River, Kaye and John Sisley of Kenai, Alaska, Sandy and Dale Perkins of Rathdrum, Jeanne and Dennis Falconer of Post Falls; grandchildren: Bryan, Jeff, Beth, Julie, Kristin, Christine and Jennifer; great-grandchildren: Michelle, Mason, Bryson, Mandi, Ben, Abby, Amy, Melanie, Kaiden and Makenna; sisters: Molly Valente (Vic) of Coeur d'Alene, Patsy Knies (George) of Clearwater, B.C., Jane Jerred of Olympia, Wash., Sue Buffa of Old Town; numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel; with a reception following at 1225 W. Palouse Drive, Post Falls.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at By The Lake Assisted Living for the love and care they gave to her and the family. Also, thank you to Hospice of North Idaho.

The family prefers contributions to Alzheimer's Association or Hospice of North Idaho.

Please visit Betty's online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.