Avis W. Crowder, 85

Avis W. Crowder, 85, passed away on Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Family funeral services were conducted on Friday, Dec. 12, in Coffelt's Funeral Chapel. Pastor David Hess officiated and interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Avis was born in Hurley, N.M., on Feb. 27, 1923, the daughter of Jerome and Elizabeth Crowder. In 1941 she graduated from high school in Clifton, Ariz.  She graduated from Mt. Zion Hospital in San Francisco, Calif., with a four-year nursing degree, as a registered nurse. 

She worked, as a missionary nurse, in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, for three years. She returned to Napa, Calif., continuing her nursing career until retiring in 1977. In 1986 she moved to Sandpoint to be with her family.

She attended the Sagle Baptist Church, participating in prayer groups, and Bible studies. She always enjoyed reading.

Avis is survived by her sister Beulah Merritt of Sandpoint; numerous "adopted" grandchildren and great-grandchildren including Judy Baker, Phyllis Lewis, Karen Sluyter, Tony (and Lisa) Fister, Kerrie Fister, Lisa and James Middleton.

Family and friends are invited to sign Avis's online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.