Asenath Cornett, 84

Asenath Cornett, of Kootenai, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on April 22, 2026, embraced by the love of her family.

Born September 25, 1941, in Hamilton, Ohio, Asenath was the daughter of Frank Grant McCollum and Inez Lorena Ansteatt. Her father found her distinctive name in Genesis 41:45, and it suited her well. She was strong, memorable, spirited, and full of character.

Asenath grew up in Ohio as a minister’s daughter in a large family of eleven siblings. She taught herself to play piano by ear and often accompanied her father’s deep baritone voice as he led traditional hymns. Even as a young girl, she had a fiery nature, a sharp sense of humor, and a spirit that stayed with her throughout life.

On January 11, 1958, at age 16, she married the love of her life, Ralph Samuel Cornett, in Middletown, Ohio, in a ceremony performed by her father. Together they built a life marked by music, hard work, adventure, family, and devotion.

Asenath’s life carried her from San Diego Harbor, to a farm in Oregon, and eventually to Montana in 1978, where the mountains, woods, and self-reliant life suited something deep within her. Her stories were full of humor, including a spoiled milk cow named Betsy and a retired racehorse no one else wanted.

Above all, Asenath was a homemaker in the fullest and finest sense. She cared for her children, many nieces and nephews, and later raised a grandson as her own. She raised her boys with a firm hand, an ornery spirit, and a fierce love that never wavered.

She loved cooking and feeding her family. Her biscuits, sausage gravy, peanut butter fudge, and big home-cooked meals made her table one of the great gathering places of family life. She also had a gift for decorating, creating warmth and welcome in every room she touched.

Asenath’s laugh was unforgettable, a mixture of uncontrollable laughter, painful expressions, and contagious joy. She was deeply musical, with a beautiful voice, a gift for harmony, and a love for guitar, piano, stride, and ragtime music.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ralph Samuel Cornett, her grandchildren Dylan and Alyvia, and many of her brothers and sisters.

 She is survived by her sons Ralph A., Rodrick, and Mark; grandchildren Samuel, Crystal, Alicia, Derrick, Katie, Alexa, and Ava; many great-grandchildren; and her sister Ruth of Kentucky.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Asenath’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guest book.