Mabel Louise (Heimbach) La Celle, 93

Mabel Louise (Heimbach) La Celle, of Spokane, Wash., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at the age of 93. She joyfully left this Earth for her Home in Heaven. Mabel was a delightful woman with incredible faith, a heart of compassion and a wonderful sense of humor.

She was born Dec. 20, 1923, in Oakland, Calif., to Charles and Ethel (Curtis) Heimbach and given the name Mabel after her mother’s sister. The family moved to Anacortes when Mabel was a teenager. Her first job was in the restaurant on Similk Beach where she cooked and washed dishes for the oyster crew.

After the death of her mother in November 1943, she was encouraged by her pastor to leave Anacortes and attend college. Even though she had dropped out of school in the eighth grade, she was granted the privilege of attending Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, as a special student where she majored in music and business. It was there she met Jerry La Celle. They were married in 1949.

She received her teaching certificate shortly after marriage and taught in schools in Nyssa and Apple Valley, Ore., and Hazelton, Idaho. Two children were born during this time.

In 1952, the family moved to Osburn, Idaho, and later to Mullan, Idaho. During that time they were blessed with three more children. Mabel continued to teach school part time, and teach piano in her home while raising their five children.

After Jerry’s retirement in 1975, the couple moved to Hayden, Idaho, where they enjoyed their flower and vegetable gardens and spending time with their family and friends.

Mabel was a wonderful cook and made friends easily. She enjoyed entertaining guests around their table and sharing her homemade cinnamon rolls.

Mabel spent her last years in Spokane at Wind River Place. She made many friends there, and once again found purpose in her life. She will be greatly missed.

Mabel is survived by her daughter, Chrystelle and her husband, Steve Chaparro of Lynden, Wash.; her son, Dennis and his wife, Lorna La Celle of Nampa, Idaho; her daughter, Pamela and her husband, David Crawford of Spokane; her son, Douglass and his wife, Charlene La Celle of Post Falls, Idaho; her son, Perry and his wife, Sandra La Celle of Bremerton, Wash.; her 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Doug and his wife, Annie Cleveland of Nampa; numerous nieces and nephews; and her sister-in-law, Rosemary Kendrick of Chittenango, N.Y. She also leaves behind KarleeSu, her shih tzu and faithful companion.

Mabel was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Ethel; her husband of 56 years, Jerry; her brother, Don Cleveland; her sister, Blanche Wikstrom; her stepsons, Keith and his wife Blanche, Gareth and Roger La Celle; and her granddaughter, Heidi Wiederrick.

In lieu of flowers, her family suggests you enjoy spending time with a senior citizen. Take them to lunch or just sit and visit. Your life will never be the same.

A celebration of Mabel’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Turning Point Open Bible Church, 11911 N. Division St., Spokane, with her grandson, Pastor Brandon Kindelberger officiating. Inurnment will be in Arlington National Cemetery.