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Zala Louise Sweitzer, 79

Zala Louise (Knapp) Sweitzer, of Post Falls, passed away Feb. 17, 2017. She was born on May 3, 1937, in Burley, Wash. Zala was at home with her family when she lost her battle with cancer at the age of 79.

After moving from Port Orchard to Post Falls in her teens, Zala met the love of her life, Tom. They were married on Feb. 27, 1954, in Sandpoint, Idaho. Shortly after they were married, they moved to Texas where Tom was stationed in the Army. They returned to their hometown of Post Falls in 1956.

The outdoors was her passion: motorcycle rides, camping, fishing and she had been known to go hunting from time to time.

Always ready to give a helping hand to family and friends, her home was always full of children, five of her own plus many more that needed to be looked after for the day.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of almost 63 years, Tom; their children, Robert “Pete” (Dolores) of Millwood, Wash., Tom of Tacoma, Wash., Lynda of Spirit Lake, Idaho, Frank (Tawnya) of Hayden, Idaho, and Rick (Tina) of Post Falls; grandchildren Tim, Mike, Nick, Travis, Shawntae, Misty, John, Tori, Emily and Luke; numerous great-grandchildren; brother Lynn of Port Orchard, Wash.; sister Dreva (Ross) Cochrane of Alberta; numerous nieces and nephews; and family friends.

Zala was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Dreva Knapp; brother and sister-in-law Phil and Darlene Knapp; sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Richard Kingen; sister Darla Knapp; great-granddaughter Taelelah Shoemake and niece Cindy (Knapp) Peterson.

As Zala had requested not to have a service, her celebration of life will be every time you think of her and smile.