Walter Raymond Eldred, 85

Walter Raymond Eldred, 85, passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Wash., on Aug. 19, 2009.

Services will be held at Sagle Community of Christ Church on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, at 11 a.m.

Walt was born May 10, 1924 in Mott, N.D., to parents Sarah Sorenson Eldred and William Henry Eldred.

Walt’s parents and family came from Sagle to farm in 1936, where Walt and Joy still reside. He started 6th grade and went thorugh the tenth grade at Sagle School and later graduated from Sandpoint Senior High.

He met his wife, Joy, at a dance at Sagle School.

Walt worked the ranch, raised cattle, hay, poultry, and many other pets and farm animals.

Walt also worked for Sunshine Mine, Bonner County Road District, logged and had various other jobs throughout his life.

He served on the Co-op Board of directors, planning and zoning, was a 4-H leader, and helped to build the Sagle Community Hall.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Lester, Phillip, Robert, and Marvin; and three sisters, Margaret Popovich, Lavonne (Bunny) Turk and Rosemary (Dolly) Turnbull. He has one surviving sister, Laura Carothers of Mirror Lake. He is also survived by his wife of 55 years, Joy; three daughters, Sydney Moran, Danielle Bartro, and Gaea Elderd; two sons-in-laws, Mike and Bill; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and also four step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Walt had a natural talent for carpentry and woodworking. He built his home, barns, out buildings, birdhouses, beautiful furniture and lots of toys. He also loved to hunt and fish. He loved all the children and animals in his life over the years and they couldn’t resist him. His little dog “Shadow” was never far from his side.

Walt, you will be truly missed - always.

Memorials may be made to the Sagle Community Hall.

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

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