Rochelle R. “Shelley” Villanueva, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Nov. 23, 2016. Shelley was born on Dec. 23, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minn.

Shelley was a master’s educated middle school teacher who loved life, her family, the Lord and everyone she met. She taught school in Bakersfield, Calif., Houston, Texas, and Huntington Beach, Calif. She taught English and was involved in drama, anti-drug and gifted programs. In 1992, she retired to Santa Barbara, Calif., where she and her husband, the love of her life, Louis, enjoyed dancing at the Elks Lodge, traveling to many parts of the world and helping the local Republican Party there. She was once the president of the Santa Barbara Republican Women’s Org.

In 2005, Shelley and Louis moved to Coeur d’Alene to be close to family there. They enjoyed dancing at the Eagles Lodge, boating on Lake Coeur d’Alene and all the wonderful activities to do in Coeur d’Alene. They also spent time in the winters at their home in Roseville, Calif., near Louis’s family. In 2010, she succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease where she resided in the Courtyard Assisted Living on Sherman Avenue. She had outstanding care there and thrived even with her disease, from the love, friendship and activities she participated in with the staff and residents there. Our family highly recommends Pacifica Courtyard and ultimately North Idaho Hospice for helping make her last years and days the best they could possibly be with that disease. Shelley was so fortunate to have those around her whose calling was to assist the aged among us, for that we wish to thank those who do a thankless job.

Shelley was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Villanueva, two years ago; her son, Erik Villanueva; her parents, Donald and Harriet Reiner; and sister Rosalind Gerwin of Glendora Calif. She is survived by her sister, Wendy Norris of Cody, Wyo.; her sister, LaDonna Shea of Boulder, Colo.; her sons (and wives), Jeff (Pamela) Tyler of Coeur d’Alene, Jerry (Janeen) Tyler of Bakersfield and Joel (Cecilia) Tyler of San Antonio, Texas; stepson David Villanueva; and stepdaughters Joanie Nesbitt and Alia Villanueva. She had 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

John 14:3 “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

According to Shelley’s wishes, there will be a family gathering.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Rochelle’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign her guest book.