Sylvia Berniece Allbee, 67

Sylvia Berniece Allbee born Jan. 30, 1945, in Tekoa, Wash., to Hank and Mildred Bauska, went to be with her Lord and Savior Dec. 17, 2012, after fighting a courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis for 11 1/2 years.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; two sisters, Glenna and Babe; and grandson Zachary. She is survived by the love of her life and special husband, Terry Lee of 35 years; and four children: Diana Gladis (Walker) (husband Dennis), Michael Walker (wife Tammy), Laurie Berquist (Walker) (husband Jon) and Shasta (Allbee) Carlsen (husband Chad). She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Brittany and Beau Blades, Savanna Jones (husband Hank), Shawn Walker (Shelby), Averie, Reese and Quinn Carlsen; two great-grandchildren, Gracee and Tucker Jones; five step-grandchildren, Sherie, Danielle and Michael Gladis, and Cassandra and Christopher Berquist. She leaves behind one sister, Donna; four brothers, Sonny (wife Rose), Larry (wife Diane), Chuck (wife Linda) and Jim (wife Bev); plus several nieces and nephews.

Sylvia grew up in the Benewah Valley in St. Maries and went to school in a one-room schoolhouse grades 1-6, then going on to junior high and high school. As a child she was very active in 4-H and community activities along with summer camps and Bible school. Sylvia has been a member of the Blanchard Community church for years. Since moving here in 1969, she has held various jobs, the longest being an employee of Pend Oreille Valley Fibre for 11 years.

Sylvia’s greatest joy was being a wife, Mom and Grandma. She was a wife, Mom, Grandma, Sister and friend, beyond measure, and will be missed more than words can ever express. Her presence on this Earth was an angelic one and she obediently did His work on Earth. She will never be forgotten.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at the American Lutheran Church in Newport, Wash. Any donations felt to be made to aid in the research of this horrific disease, can be made to the American Lung Association, in honor of our dear Mother and friend, Sylvia.

Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home, Newport, is in charge of the arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at sherman-knapp.com.