Jeanne Givens, 73

Jeanne Givens, born Jeanne Iyall, passed away May 13, 2025, in Spokane, Wash. 

Jeanne was born June 17, 1951, in Spokane, Wash. A citizen of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, she was given the Indian name K' wa' ysalqw he smi'yem, Cedar Woman. Raised on the Coeur d’Alene Indian reservation with her mother, Celina, and six siblings, Jeanne belonged to the SiJohn and Garry families through her mother’s side. Her father was Jack Iyall of the Yakima Tribe.  

Jeanne attended Whitworth University, where she studied sociology, and Gonzaga University, where she received a master's in education. A trailblazing advocate for Native American rights, Jeanne served on the Kootenai County Human Rights Task Force, creating a movement against the Aryan Nations and racism in North Idaho. In 1984, she became the first Native American woman elected to the Idaho House of Representatives, representing the 4th district. During her tenure, she served on several key committees and worked tirelessly to build trust and strengthen the relationships with tribes and the State. In 1988, she made national history — becoming the first Native American woman to seek a seat in the U.S. Congress. Her campaign broke barriers and inspired future generations of Native American women in politics. Jeanne was a prolific writer. She wrote for the Boise Statesman and later joined the editorial board for the Spokesman Review, ensuring tribal issues and voices were uplifted. Jeanne was appointed to various boards by Idaho Governor John Evans, including the Statewide Health Planning Council and the Idaho Association for the Humanities. In 1997, President Clinton appointed her to the Board of Directors of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, N.M. She also served on the Board of Directors for ICT (formerly Indian Country Today). 

After retirement, Jeanne kept busy raising her children, quilting, sewing and became an award-winning documentary filmmaker with “Russell Jim, A Quiet Warrior.” She continued to write, building on stories of her mother, Celina, working on a yet-to-be-published memoir.

Jeanne achieved these incredible milestones with her husband, Ray Givens, by her side. Married in 1978, the two were together for nearly 47 years and raised two children, Maria and Joe. 

Jeanne had a way of making strangers feel like old friends, and friends feel like family. She was remarkably generous, kind and funny. She was a natural leader and mentor, and the absolute best mom, aunty, sister and friend. 

Jeanne lost her battle with cancer May 13, 2025, after fiercely fighting. She is survived by daughter Maria Givens and faithful “grand dog” Rusty; sisters: Jackie Koelbel, Judy Greene, Sue Garry, Teresa Williams; brother David Zarate; nieces and nephews: Mary Lease, Nancy Koelbel, Joanna Wolfe, Julia Koelbel, Sandy Martinez, Eric Greene, James Finley, Yvonne Santos, Nikki Santos and Gabe Zarate.

Jeanne is preceded in death by her father, Jack Iyall; mother Celina Gary Goolsby; son Joe Givens; and husband Ray Givens. 

In honor of Jeanne's lifelong dedication to advocacy and public service, donations may be made to ICT: www.indijpublicmedia.org.

The funeral will be Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Evangeline Abraham Longhouse in DeSmet, Idaho. Visitation is Monday, May 19, 2025, beginning at 6 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m., all at the Longhouse in DeSmet. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Mission Cemetery in DeSmet.

Arrangements provided by Yates Funeral Homes. www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.