Lois Jeanette Pokorny, 91
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 1 day, 7 hours AGO
Lois Pokorny
Lois Jeanette Pokorny was born Feb. 4, 1935, to Howard and Agatha (Ruddell) Burleigh in Redlands, Calif. She grew up there and graduated from Redlands High School in 1954. She was united in marriage to Harold Willis and their union was blessed with six children: Cheri, Richard, Ronald, Tina, John and Jason. The family made their home in Riverside, Calif.
Lois cared for the home and worked in various offices in pediatrics and law, as a Coca-Cola plant manager and as an activities director. Lois cared for her mother, and after her death, she moved to Idaho. There she met James Pokorny, and the couple was united in marriage and added three children to the family: Laura, Chris and Dove. The couple lived in Rathdrum and enjoyed their retirement years. James died in 2019 and Lois continued to live in her home in Coeur d’Alene. Following a decline in health, Lois died at the Schneidmiller Hospice House on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the age of 91 years.
Lois was a member of the Friends Church (Anthem) in Hayden, Idaho. She enjoyed gardening, birds — her favorite being hummingbirds — travel and especially the time spent with her family.
Lois is lovingly remembered by her children, Cheri (and Randy) Backman, Richard Willis, Tina (and Dale) Coler and Jason Willis; stepchildren Chris (and Jennifer) Pokorny, and Dove (and Rob) Carlin; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; a sister-in-law, Liz Burleigh; nieces, nephews, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by children Ronald (and Julie) Willis, and John Willis; a daughter-in-law, Lydia Willis; stepdaughter Laura Pokorny and siblings Bryant Burleigh and Timothy Burleigh.
Blessed and eternal be the memory of Lois Jeanette Pokorny.
Visitation will be Friday, June 26, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Yates Funeral Home Hayden Chapel at 373 E. Hayden Ave. A graveside service will be Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Riverview Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A reception will follow at Real Life Ministries North Campus.
Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. Online registry and condolences may be found at yatesfuneralhomes.com.