Barbara Jo Buchanan, 80

Barbara Jo (Davidson) Buchanan, 80, of Kendrick, Idaho, passed away Nov. 16, 2005, in Lewiston, Idaho.

She was born April 24, 1925 at the family home on American Ridge near Kendrick, Idaho, to George and Emma Davidson.

After graduating from Kendrick High School in 1942, she worked in the San Francisco area in support of the war effort during World War II.

In 1946, she married Fay Kossman and they made their home in Moscow, Idaho. Together they had three children: Michael, Lynda and Steve Kossman. They operated the University of Idaho sheep farm for several years and later divorced.

Barbara married Howard Buchanan on Nov. 21, 1957. Howard had two daughters from a previous marriage, Kathryn and Diana Buchanan; and together they had two daughters, Barbara "Babs" and Edie.

Barbara was a homemaker and devoted herself to raising her children and also several foster children. She managed the Montgomery Ward Department store and later as a bookkeeper for Newsome Insurance Co. She was an active volunteer in several organizations including the Latah County Search & Rescue, Meals on Wheels, Girl Scouts and her children's schools. Her passions included dancing, gardening, riding horses, reading and traveling with her husband.

After Howard's retirement in 1980, they began a lifelong love affair with the Southwest and established a second home in Yuma, Ariz.; where they enjoyed spending time with their numerous friends. In 2004, Barbara returned to her roots when they purchased a home in Kendrick, Idaho.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her three sisters: Winifred (Muffie), Marjory, and Elizabeth (Betty); and three brothers: George, Edgar (Ted) and William (Bill).

Barbara is survived by her husband Howard and their children: Michael (Alicia) Kossman, Kathryn Buchanan, Lynda Kossman, Steven (Linda) Kossman, Diana (George) Kimball, Barbara (Rick) Buchanan and Edie (Bryan) Hanson; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A gathering of her family and friends is planned for next spring.

Please visit Barbara's online memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com

Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, was entrusted with the care of final arrangements.