Joan Irene Betz went home to her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, after a two-year battle with heart and kidney disease.

With great faith they will reunite in the next world, Joan leaves behind her dearly beloved husband of 58 years, Wallace Betz Sr.; her son, Wallace (Benjy) Betz Jr. and her daughter, Vicki Hart. She also leaves behind five grandchildren and their partners (Jack Caughran, Nicholas Betz, Lindsay Vari, Brett and Jenny Caughran, and Baylie and Zach Corpier); three great-grandchildren (Benjamin Caughran, Jacob Caughran and Jacob Betz); dozens of adoring nieces and nephews; and a long series of “adopted” children and grandchildren.

Joan was born in Brasher Falls, N.Y., in 1939. At age 3, she moved to Coeur d'Alene, where she grew up in a family of 12 siblings. Her surviving siblings and their spouses are Diane Bear, Rose and Jim Zinkgraf, Rexanne Roberge, Sue Roberge, Yvonne (Cookie) Adolphson, Laurie Roberge, Annie and Don Fuller, and Frank and Diane Roberge. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Alphonse and Rose Roberge; her brothers, Dave, Eugene, Pete, Phil and John Roberge, and her sister, Lillian Dehle.

Joan lived a life full of love, humor and adventure, and her generosity inspired everyone who was lucky enough to know her. In addition to serving her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with devotion, Joan took many troubled families under her wing as if they were her own. Her favorite hobby was to hunt down bargains at thrift shops and yard sales, where she mostly bought things for others. Joan made wonderful friends everywhere she went, and she will be sorely missed by the hundreds of people who knew and loved her.

We would like to extend special thanks to the nurses and caregivers at Life Care Center of Post Falls for treating Joan like family. Thanks to their love and extraordinary care, her stay was made comfortable as could be. Joan made many dear friends among the staff and residents of Life Care, where she continued to touch and impact lives until her last day.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Joan's life at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, at the Post Falls Senior Center, 1215 E. Third Ave., Post Falls. If possible, please bring your favorite dish to share at the potluck afterward.