Annie A. (Leach) Poelstra

Annie A. (Leach) Poelstra, formerly of Sandpoint, Idaho, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, at her home in The Royal Plaza in Lewiston, Idaho.

Annie was born Aug. 25, 1931, to Alice M. Williams and Lawrence Leach in Radersburg, Mont.

Annie lived an amazing 91 years, never knowing a stranger. She grew up in Radersburg, where she met her first love, Vernon Kalar. They were married in 1951, in Townsend, Mont. They were blessed with three children, Shirley, Fred and Gerald. In the 1970s the family settled in Sandpoint, Idaho.

After the couple parted ways, she graduated from cooking school at Glasgow Air Force Base, Mont., in 1979. She put her new skills to work customizing wedding cakes and cooking for the locals of the Sandpoint area.

Annie later married John Poelstra in Townsend on July 28, 1992. They spent time between their two homes in Cocolalla, Idaho, as well as in Townsend. They had many great adventures. Annie loved creating things; a talent for turning random things into timeless treasures. In 2008, time stood still for Annie when John passed away. With time, she found new passions at Orchards Assisted Living Center. Annie enjoyed photography, bird watching and feeding the squirrels. She liked Wii bowling, puzzles and bingo.

Annie leaves behind children Shirley (Dan) Mellor of Mayer, Ariz., Fred (Terri) Kalar of Elma, Wash., and Gerald (Monica) Kalar of Lewiston, Idaho; grandchildren Jennifer Johnson, Katie (Zach) Whitlock, and Dylan Kalar; along with 10 great-grandchildren, a sister, Mary (Manuel) Rodrigues of San Luis Obispo, Calif., and sister-in-law Alena Brown of Sandpoint, Idaho.

A celebration of life will be held Oct. 1 at 1 p.m. at Hereth Park in Lewiston, and funeral services at Coffelt Funeral Services in Sandpoint on Oct. 8, 2022, at 11 a.m.; a graveside burial will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Cards may be sent to the family: 2870 Juniper Drive, Lewiston ID 83501. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Royal Plaza Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia, Community Activities, in honor of Annie or the Lewiston Boys and Girls Club.

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

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.