Benita “Grandma Bea” Fay Olenslager, 82, passed away at Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene on Feb. 24, 2013.

Benita was born in Devils Lake, N.D., on March 26, 1930, to Joseph F. and Della E. Phelps. She moved with her family as a teenager to Rathdrum and was a lifetime resident. Benita graduated from Lakeland High School where she played on the basketball team. In 2011, she moved to Post Falls.?Benita married Frank Olenslager on Sept. 14, 1957.

She worked for the state of Idaho as a home health aide.?Benita was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enjoyed baking, crocheting, gardening, camping, fishing and spending time her family and grandchildren.

She is survived by her three children, Joe Olenslager of Post Falls, Steven Morris of Onalaska, Wash., and Marilynn Morris of Post Falls; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; four sisters, Alvina Wolheter, Lulu Belle Pielop, Wanda Olenslager and Cherry Heitstman; one brother, Perry Phelps; and many friends that called her Grandma Bea. ?Benita is preceded in death by her parents; husband Frank on May 7, 1986; and brother Charlie Phelps.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of North Idaho, Hospice House, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

A memorial gathering/potluck will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2013, at the Rathdrum Lions Club, corner of Highway 53 and Meyer Road in Rathdrum. English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls, is in charge of the arrangements.

Please sign Benita’s guest registry and view her online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.