Connie Kay (Howell) Ridley passed away peacefully on April 25, 2018, in Sandpoint, Idaho, at the age of 71, surrounded by loved ones. Connie was born on May 22, 1946, in Kansas City, Kan., to Coyne and Arleta Howell. Connie moved to Sandpoint with her parents and four siblings. She attended high school and started her family here in Sandpoint.

Connie had four children; one boy and three girls. Her children remember her as being a loving mother and doing what she had to do to support them. She was feisty, sharp witted and very stubborn, but fearless. Those were some of her best qualities and made her who she was. In turn that made her children who they are today.

Con-nie was an amazing caregiver who cared for her mother and best friend until they went home to be with the Lord. Working as a certified nursing assistant, she cared for many people who soon became lifelong friends. She also spent many years checking groceries at Harold’s IGA and bartending at Buck and Edna’s.

She was a dedicated grandmother to her three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and shared her love of the outdoors and adventures with them. She enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, collecting cook books and many crafts. Her greatest joy though was taking her grandchildren camping and fishing and spending time with them.

Connie is survived by her children Lecia (Rodney) Dotson of Dover, Idaho, Marcia Krebs (Tom Hornby) of Priest River, Idaho, Tracey Sammons of Kennewick, Wash., and Rex Krebs of California; her siblings, Sandra (George)Van Rossum of Trestle Creek, Idaho, Roy Gene Howell of Trestle Creek, and Calvin Howell of Sandpoint. Grandchildren are Aleta (Asa) Ames of Sandpoint, Mckayla Sammons (Guillermo Dimas) of Kennewick, and Jordan Sammons of Kennewick. Great-grandchildren are Tyson and Kinley Ames of Sandpoint, and Milo Dimas of Kennewick. Connie is preceded in death by her parents, Coyne and Arleta Howell; and a younger brother, Dwight David Howell.

There will be a memorial service for Connie later in the summer for family and friends.

Connie’s sharp wit, giving and kindness will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to sign Connie’s online guestbook atcoffeltfuneral.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Coffelt Funeral Services of Sandpoint.