January Shiloh Tuinstra, 43

Stepping into eternity.

Beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend, January Shiloh Tuinstra departed to meet Jesus, her Savior and Lord, on June 12, 2019, at the age of 43. Though it seems like January left this earthly journey too early, she trusted God since her childhood; so we who are left here will honor January’s memory by doing the same.

January is the mother of Jaden Dean DuMars, 17 years; Levi Jackson DuMars, 14 years, both of LaClede; and Gracyn Diana Pilling, 4 years, of Montana. January is the daughter of Kalvin and Janet Tuinstra of Sagle; the sister of Echo (and Harry) VanderWal of Eswatini, Africa; Karey (and Chola) Kananda of Newman Lake, Wa.; Joseph (and Amannda) Tuinstra of Sagle.

Janu-ary battled juvenile diabetes since she was a teenager. That and a compassionate heart moved her to become a registered nurse, who sensed when people were suffering or vulnerable and ministered to them in gentle but meaningful ways. She loved being a nurse, and in her final days taught student nurses to look at their profession as a calling and not just a job.

For ten years, January volunteered with Julie Walkington as directors of Celebrate Life, a Sandpoint tradition that raised and distributed funds through Bonner General Health for those struggling with cancer.

An accomplished pianist, January put feeling and soul into her music that could not be taught but was a gift from God. We will miss hearing her play. She liked skiing with her children and friends although was often too adventurous on the slopes. Her landscaping projects blessed many homes and the homeowners.

January was born in Eldora, Iowa, on January 27, 1976, on her maternal grandfather’s 90th birthday. Her family moved to northern Idaho when January was 5 years old. She always referred to the Sandpoint area as her home.

January has 13 nieces and nephews. She enjoyed preparing meals for her extended family and looked forward to holidays with them. January, herself, grew up with 11 cousins who challenged and inspired her. She loved them dearly when they were children and when they all became adults.

Her son Levi said: “She is my heart. This earth is a waiting room.”

Jaden’s comment about his mother: “I’ll miss the memories we had, but I’m even sadder to know we will not make more memories in the future.”

A farewell celebration will be at 2 p.m. this Saturday afternoon, June 15, at Whispering Pines Cemetery, 8830 Lakeshore Drive, 4 miles west of Springy Point, Sagle. Eric Rust of Cedar Hills Church and Kevin Carlson of New Song Bible Church will officiate. (With love your mom)