Sue Stillinger, 82, of Dalton Gardens, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home with her family and her dog, Maggie, by her side Oct. 28, 2023. Born in Ontario, Calif., on Nov. 15, 1940, to parents Bertha Slagle Dean and James Dean, she joined sister Darlene and was raised in a loving family. 

Growing up, Sue always knew she was meant to be a teacher. After attending Chaffey High School, she earned her teaching degree by attending both Chaffey College and San Diego State University. One evening in August of 1965 during an outing with friends, the young elementary teacher met a smiling Navy pilot named Jim, and a true love story began.  

Jim and Sue wasted no time getting married at Miramar Naval Air Station Chapel in San Diego in 1966 and lived in Southern California. Jim brought his bride to his hometown of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 1968 and she was welcomed with open arms into the large and boisterous Stillinger family. Sue and Jim raised their children Matt, Katie and Becky primarily in Dalton Gardens, where they lived for over 46 years. Sue had a love for animals, and promised Jim they would always have a family dog.  

Sue was devoted to her family but was also devoted to teaching. She left a lasting legacy at many schools, including Garden Road School and Valley School in Poway, Calif.; and Borah Elementary, St. Pius Sunshine Pre-School and Kindergarten, Frederick Post Elementary and Seltice Elementary in North Idaho. She came to work every day with joy in her heart to make an impact on children. Throughout her career, she mentored many young teachers and was a cherished colleague and friend. 

Sue was a longtime member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and was deeply committed to Christ. She loved people for who they were and was always seeking an opportunity to help others in her community. After retirement, she volunteered at organizations like CASA and St. Pius ministries. 

A loving grandmother, Sue taught her grandchildren many valuable life lessons and was their biggest fan at their baseball games, golf tournaments, dance competitions and choir concerts. In addition to spending time with her family, Sue loved cheering on the Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks and watching Gonzaga basketball.  She enjoyed family trips and taking peaceful car rides to enjoy the beauty of North Idaho. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Jim; her sister, Darlene Lowe; and her children: Matt (Jeanette) Stillinger, Katie Stillinger, and Becky (Heath) Byers. She also leaves behind a legacy of grandchildren: Brennan (Rachel), Tanner (Kristina), Lilly, Gray, Rhiannon (Jeff), Alex (Lindsey), Cheyenne; and numerous great-grandchildren. She was also very close to all her nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made in Sue’s name to Companion’s Animal Center. Those attending Sue’s memorial are encouraged to bring school supplies to be donated in Sue’s name to children in the Post Falls School District. 

A memorial mass will be held Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at 3 p.m. at St. Pius X Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.  

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Sue’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com

    Stillinger