Treva Davison, 92

Treva Eleanor Davison

July 22, 1931 - Oct.11, 2023

"In loving memory of a kind and generous mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend”

Treva Davison, born July 22, 1931, peacefully passed away Oct. 11, 2023, at home under the loving care of her daughter. She was 92 years old.

Treva was born in Parma, Idaho, to Ernest and Lilian Keller. Her youth was lived in Caldwell, Idaho, where she shared a happy life with her parents and brother Truman. They enjoyed a large garden and raising cows and chickens for milk, eggs and meat. She was a member of the First Christian Church and graduated from Caldwell High School in 1949. She loved her various roles in high school plays and enjoyed playing the clarinet in the marching band. 

The highlight of her life, as she would often say, was falling in love with her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) E. Davison. They married Dec. 24, 1949, and honeymooned on the Oregon Coast, one of Treva’s most cherished memories. The ocean-side beaches continued to be her "happy place" throughout her life, with many visits and birthday celebrations spent on the Washington and Oregon coasts.

Treva embraced her role as a wife and homemaker and was a devoted and loving stay-at-home mother to her four children: Michael, Patrick, Cynthia and Timothy. She made many of Cindy’s clothes, knitted many sweaters, cooked wonderful meals, enjoyed not only by her family but by anyone who stopped by, as she made sure everyone was welcome at their table. Treva created a safe and wholesome home for her family, happily planning hunting and camping trips and stepping out of her comfort zone by learning how to water and downhill ski to enjoy outings with her family. She was a helpful and considerate neighbor, whether offering a lending a hand, playing a game of cribbage or Yahtzee, or just a listening ear to those near and far. 

Growing up, opportunities to travel were rare, but her new life married to Bill brought many adventures to see the world. Some of her most favorite memories were when they traveled, whether by air, land or water. Over the years they owned several airplanes (Bill was a pilot), several different RVs, a Harley Davidson, a snow machine, and several different boats. Oh the adventures they had and the wonderful stories she shared of those precious times spent with family! Treva lived in several states over the years, including Caldwell, Orofino and Priest River, Idaho; Great Falls, Mont.; Oklahoma City, Okla., and Auburn, Covington/Kent, Wash. She made lifelong friends wherever lived. 

Treva moved from Washington state to Priest River, Idaho, in early 2004 to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Dan Eskelson. Her greatest joy was time spent with her beloved children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her wonderful friends from all over the Northwest and beyond. She enjoyed frequent visits with family, and actively participated in the community as a member of Red Hats, the Senior Center, Weight Watchers, playing bridge, pinochle, cribbage and bingo, and spending time with her dearest friends (in person and by phone). She was an avid reader and loved jigsaw puzzles, completing dozens of 500-1,000 piece puzzles over the last three years! She was kind, thoughtful and generous and believed in helping those in need; she gave generously to the Priest River Food Bank and supported other local charities by participating in auctions and buying raffle tickets. 

Treva's life reflected her deep love and heartfelt appreciation for her family. Her open, loving, and expressive personality touched everyone she met. One of her greatest gifts was her ability to connect with people, appreciate them, and listen to their stories. Despite the heartache and challenges in her life, she never closed her heart and always kept an attitude of gratitude and wonder. Treva’s legacy is one of love, acceptance, resilience and strength. She will be greatly missed by so many and will be remembered for her bright smile and sweet unconditional love as well as her wisdom. She would often remind her loved ones to enjoy every moment together and “leave the housework and go play.”

Treva is survived by her children, Michael (Arlette) Davison (Olympia, Wash.), Pat Davison (Gig Harbor, Wash.), and Cindy (Dan) Eskelson (Priest River, Idaho), 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, all whom she loved dearly and would do anything in the world for. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many dear friends.

Treva was predeceased by her loving husband Bill of 48 years; her youngest son, Tim, her beloved brother Truman, parents and parents-in-law, brother-in-law Dick; sisters-in-law, Betty, Grace and Arlene; nephew Michael; niece Erin; and great-niece Madeleine. Dear friends Norm, Barbara, Evelyn, Norma, Marie, Jeanne, Charlene and Dottie are just a few of her many friends she has lost over the years and missed greatly. 

Friends are invited to join the family in a celebration of life for Treva on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 1:30 p.m. at Newport Hospitality House in Newport, Wash. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Priest River Food Bank in Treva's memory. Donations may be mailed to 45 South McKinley, Suite 107, Priest River, ID 83856.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport, Wash., is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to share their favorite memories, photos and condolences at www.shermancampbell.com.