Inez Sylvia Baker Bowers, 97

Inez Sylvia Baker Bowers passed away on Feb. 10, 2015, at Coeur d'Alene Homes Assisted Living Facility at the age of 97.

Inez was born in Virginia City, Nev., on Sept. 15, 1917, to parents Ivar and Anna Peterson. The family lived in the gold mining community during her early years, then moved to San Francisco, Calif.

Inez returned to Nevada and married Herman R. Baker. During the busy years of raising children, Inez helped in the family business (Baker & Drake Taxi Cab Company) in the Reno area. She was active in the community and became a lifelong member of the Order of Eastern Star (Martha Chapter), Daughters of the Nile Club and Ladies Shrine.

Inez's love of square dancing led her to discover a talent for "calling," and "Gravel Gurtie" (as she became known because of her rich deep voice) traveled the West Coast for several years calling square dances. The square dance years became some of her happiest and proudest memories later in life.

She became a widow in 1966, and in 1968 married Samuel H. Bowers. They moved to Idaho in 1983, and resided in Dalton Gardens.

During her 32 years in North Idaho, Inez continued to square dance, volunteered at Kootenai Medical Center and was active in the Coeur d'Alene Daughters of the Nile. She was an avid reader, did beautiful needle point work, treasured her solitary morning walks, enjoyed camping and hiking, and was blessed to have many travel experiences all over the world with family and friends.

A gentle, kind and loving soul, Inez survived the deaths of two husbands, five children and many dear friends. The lifetime loss of so many loved ones only enhanced her strength of character and love of life. She was a private person who quietly loved the Lord, spoke her mind and always put others first.

Inez was preceded in death by her husbands, Herman R. Baker and Samuel H. Bowers; and children Cathy Baker, Barbara Giles, Richard Munson, Betty Wolz and Hank Baker. She is survived by her son, Gary (Susan) Baker, 10 grandchildren, and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren.

Beyond this vale of tears there is a life above.

'Unmeasured by the flight of years;

And all that life is love.'

- James Montgomery

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at Yates Funeral Home, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene.

Please visit Inez's online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.