Jenise I. Eskridge, 78

Jenise I. Eskridge, 78, of Dover, Idaho, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.

Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at the First Lutheran Church with Nelson Pitotti officiating.

Jenise was born to Mabel S. and Jens Monrad in Missoula, Mont., in 1944 and spent much of her childhood on her grandparents’ ranch near Condon, Mont. After Jenise’s father’s death, her mother married forest ranger Clarence Stilwell, settling in Sandpoint, where Jenise graduated from Sandpoint High in 1962.

Jenise married George E. Eskridge in 1964 and, a year later, graduated from Eastern Washington University (B.A., Education, 1965). Education was a passion for Jenise leading her to classrooms in Missoula and Florence, Mont., and finally the Potomac, Mont., School District, where she was principal. She instituted the first female track team in Missoula high schools and was one of the first female principals in that state. After the birth of her children, Jenise volunteered in her sons’ classrooms, extracurricular activities and school Parent Teacher Organizations. Jenise also volunteered in classrooms for students with severe mental and physical disabilities.

After her husband’s election to the Idaho Legislature, Jenise assisted George with his legislative duties. She baked thousands of cookies to distribute at campaign events and worked with the Bonner County Republican Women and a Boise legislative spouse organization. Her favorite time was spent with the “Dover Girls,” a social club of longtime Dover residents.

Jenise is survived by her husband of 57 years, George; and her sons, Perry (Krisann) and Jim (Koryn) Eskridge; and five grandchildren. Jenise is also survived by her siblings, Olive Harris, Joe Stilwell, Susan Puckett and Karla Sheffler. She was preceded in death by her beloved maternal grandparents, Charles and Olivia Lundberg; her father, Jens Monrad; her adoptive father, Clarence Stilwell; and her mother, Mabel Stilwell.

The family requests that donations benefit the Alzheimer's Research Foundation.

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

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.