Mary Ellen Neuder, 77

Mary Ellen Neuder, 77, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, in Sandpoint, Idaho, after battling Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS).

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2008, at the First Lutheran Church with Pastor Dave Olson officiating. Private inurnment will take place at the Lakeview Cemetery.

Mary was born on Feb. 18, 1931, to Harry and Martha Arnold in Seattle, Wash. She grew up and attended schools in Kent, Wash., and went on to live in New York and Detroit. There she received her bachelor of science degree in science and special education at Wayne State University.

Detroit is also where Mary met Richard Neuder. The two were married on Jan. 21, 1956, in Renton, Wash.

Mary managed the office for Dick's dental practice, and continued to do so when the Neuders moved to Sandpoint in 1965. She retired in 1996.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church, P.E.O., Beta Sigma Phi, Selkirk Striders (AVA), North Idaho Dahlia Society (ADS), Wycliffe Bible Translators (for 66 years), and the ALS Association (Evergreen Chapter). She was also a Red Cross Gray Lady.

She will be remembered for many things including her love and generosity so freely given to others, her listening ear, her warm captivating smile, and for harvesting, preserving and sharing her husband's garden. Traveling and music were among her greatest interests.

Friends and family brought her greatest joy. She faced her long illness with courage and faith.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Neuder of Sandpoint, Idaho; a son, Steve (Elizabeth) Neuder of Sandpoint, Idaho; two granddaughters, Julia and Camille; a sister, Betty Vaughan of Kent, Wash.; and aunt, Florence Arnold of Renton, Wash.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Lutheran Church, 526 S. Olive Ave, Sandpoint, ID 83864; or the ALS Association, Evergreen Chapter, 19110 66th Ave S., #G-101, Kent, WA 98032.

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