Yvonne E. Luscher, 88

Yvonne Luscher passed away March 23, at the age of 88, surrounded by those she loved.

Born Dec. 31, 1937 in Alexandria, Virgina to Donald and Helen Benjamin, Yvonne grew up on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., attending an all-girls Catholic school and spending much of her free time at the racetracks, dreaming of the day she’d have her own horse. In the early 1960s, while working at Fort Belvoir, she met the love of her life, James Luscher. They married Aug. 3, 1965 and moved back to James' home state of Montana to start a family and eventually raise their three children. In 1973, they built and moved into their forever home of 52 years, with enough property she was finally able to have her horses.

Yvonne was always busy, whether it was gardening, baking, chasing children, or caretaking all the animals. She was an active leader in the local 4-H clubs for many years and a dedicated member of the Cabinet Backcountry Horsemen, spending many miles in the saddle on her favorite horses, Arrow and Nicole, in the beautiful Cabinet Mountains. She was blessed to have wonderful friends and neighbors, that gave endless guidance and help as she navigated motherhood, the horse world and farm life, especially her good friend Mable Beebe.

Yvonne was happiest when she was surrounded by her family, grandchildren and animals, and she loved having all of her family gathered around the same table. She will be deeply missed.

Yvonne is preceded in death by her parents, sister Charlotte, and niece Michelle. She is survived by her husband James Luscher, sons Scott (Holly) Luscher and Eric (Melissa) Luscher, daughter Erin (Rick) Reed; grandchildren LaRona (JR) Rebo, Lane (Kira) Luscher, Cole Luscher, Taryne (Colton) Cannon and Tyler (Maycee) Reed, and many great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Kootenai Pets for Life. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.