As a teacher, Loman changed the world

“One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” (Malala Yousafzai). 

Ina Loman is one of those exceptional teachers who helped change the world for countless Bonner County students, including one of my daughters who was fortunate enough to have Mrs. Loman as her second grade teacher. 

In recognition of her contribution to Bonner County as a teacher, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a community volunteer, and a lifelong educator, the Women Honoring Women Committee is pleased to honor Ina Loman with a Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Ina was born Ina Alvern Leen on June 28, 1930, in Lakota, N.D., the oldest of ten children. Her mother was a homemaker, and her father a mechanic. When Ina was 16, the family moved to Sandpoint. Ina’s father worked in Fairbanks, Alaska, to support the family while her mother and the children remained in Sandpoint. Ina graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1948. Shortly after graduation, she married Paul Loman, a fellow Sandpoint High graduate. Paul was newly discharged from the Navy. The newlyweds moved south to Lewiston where Paul attended college. The couple’s three children, Bob, Ted, and Becky were born in Lewiston over the next five years.

The young family then moved to La Puente, Calif., where Ina was very involved in the local PTA and her children’s activities, clubs, and sports, including Cub Scouts, Blue Birds, Pop Warner Football, and Little League baseball. Ina’s dream was always to be a teacher. She took night classes at the local junior college while her children were growing up and, in 1968, enrolled fulltime at Cal Poly. Ina finally achieved her dream of becoming a teacher in 1972, at age 42, when she graduated with a bachelor's degree in education. Ina continued her education throughout her lifetime, earning master’s degrees in both education and administration. 

After graduation, Ina taught elementary school in La Puente, Calif., for one year before she and Paul decided to move home to Sandpoint. They lived in house at Sixth and Poplar where Ina resided for almost 50 years. Paul opened a tire center on Church Street with their son Bob, and Ina began her Bonner County teaching career. Ina taught at Southside, Northside, Lincoln, and finally at Farmin elementary. She was loved and respected by students, parents, and staff  until her retirement in 1993. 

“I've known her since 1987. We were blessed to have her as our oldest son's first and third grade teacher," wrote Julie Larkin in her nomination letter. "She always went out of her way to make her kids feel special and that they could achieve anything. She also was very good at open communication with the parents. Working together made their education so much better. She not only was an excellent educator, she had a heart of gold, and I know without doubt that every life she has touched is better for it.” 

Ina’s granddaughter Erin, who was lucky enough to have her grandmother as a teacher, writes: “Mrs. Loman was the best first grade teacher I've ever had. Not only did she foster creativity, compassion, and made learning fun, I was honored to call her grandma! Just not during school!”

In addition to her work as a teacher, Ina served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children involved in the legal system and as a driver for Meals on Wheels. She laughingly recounts how she got her first ever speeding ticket at age 66 during a Meals on Wheels run, despite having had a “heavy foot on the gas pedal” for years. 

Life was not always easy for Ina. Her oldest son Bob died at 39, leaving a wife and three young daughters. Her son Ted was blinded in an industrial accident in 1989 and passed away last year. She lost her beloved husband, Paul, on Jan. 1, 1996. After Paul’s death, Ina spent winters in Arizona. While there, she became reacquainted with Vic Baxter, whom she had been engaged to at age16 before her family moved to Sandpoint. Ina and Vic were close companions for the next 13 years until he succumbed to cancer. 

Ina’s daughter Becky and Ina’s granddaughters describe how throughout each challenge, Ina remained strong, resilient, and compassionate serving as an inspiration and a role model for their lives. Ina describes herself as “having an adventurous spirit.” At age 84, she took a trip to New York City with Becky and granddaughter Heather. The three women walked the Brooklyn Bridge, saw a Broadway musical, and got a “Family” tattoo. The tattoo artist remarked that Ina was “the oldest person she had ever tattooed!”  Now, approaching her 94th birthday, Ina resides at the Bridge Assisted Living in Sandpoint where she is still enjoying life’s adventures — savoring time with family, attending church services, and immersing herself in the many activities offered by The Bridge.

Ina Loman is truly a Woman of Wisdom, and the committee is honored to recognize her. A gala brunch honoring Ina and her fellow recipients will take place June 15 at the Ponderay Events Center. Reservations will be accepted until June 7, from Diane Stockton at 208-290-6362 or stockton_diane@yahoo.com.