Rosemary Ellis, 78

Rosemary Ellis was born Sept. 15, 1941, in Florida. She grew up on Tavernier Key, where her parents built and ran a small vacation resort on the beach.

As a little girl she loved to fish, swim, and dance. Rosemary attended Coral Shores School through the 12th grade where she was involved in many activities - class president as a freshman, winner of Miss Coral Shores as a junior, subscription manager of the yearbook, and finally graduating valedictorian in the class of 1959. Rosemary continued her studies at Florida Southern University, graduating in 1963 with a teaching degree.

In 1965 she relocated to Sandpoint, Idaho, with her husband and first born son. Over the years, Rosemary taught various school subjects in both Priest River and Sandpoint, worked as the office manager for Alpine Motors, volunteered, loved to garden, and adored all of the animals that crossed her path. She maintained many lifelong friendships, some from way back to Tavernier Key, but her life was truly lived for her two sons.

She will be remembered as kind and generous, witty and sharp, sweet and sassy, loving and very, very loved.

She passed peacefully with family by her side on Dec. 22, 2019.

Rosemary is survived by her two sons, Richard and Jason McDonald; daughter-in-law Brenda Ingles; brother Patrick Ellis; grandchildren Jacob McDonald and Jordan Stockdale; and many close friends she considered family.

A celebration of life is tentatively planned for May when good weather returns and we can be together outside to allow for COVID-19 compliance. If you would like to be notified of plans to gather please email: rellis1941@gmail.com or call/text Richard: 208-290-7452.