Helen L. Garver

Helen L. Garver of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, died Saturday. June 2, 2007, at the Boundary County Nursing Home in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, from an extended illness.

A graveside service will be held on June 27, 2007, at 11 a.m. at the Grandview Cemetery, with the Rev. Steve Dornfeld of the Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Internment will follow.

Helen was born on April 4, 1919, in Denison, Iowa, to Frank and Vinnie Mesenbrin. She was one of 13 children. She finished her high school education in Bonners Ferry, graduating in 1938.

Her first marriage was to Merle Meeker and from this union four children were born. After their divorce, she married Gene Hodsdon and they had one child.

She then married Clark Garver in September 1967, and lived in Spokane Wash. They did some traveling and after several ventures, one being owners of a small soup and sandwich business in Boise, Idaho, they settled in Spokane.

Clark preceded her in death in March 1984, and in 1985 she moved to Middleton, Idaho, until June 1986 when she moved back to Bonners Ferry for the remainder of her life. The last 10 years being under the excellent care at the Boundary County Nursing Home.

Helen's favorite times were being with family and friends. She loved sing-a-longs, a good joke, and her soaps.

Her family will miss her great sense of humor, her wonderful singing voice, and family stories, leaving them with many lasting memories.

She is survived by her children, Joe Hodsdon of Seatac, Wash., Mary (Joe) Gunics of Middleton, Idaho, Charlie Meeker and Fran Hodsdon of Bonners Ferry, Carol (Bob) Ostling of Sarasota, Fla.; stepchildren, Leah (Keith) Oxford of Athol, Idaho, and Gary Garver of Spokane.

Other survivors include a sister, Lois (Larry) Board of Sheperdsville, Ky.; sisters-in-law, Mary Mesenbrink of Bonners Ferry, and Barbara Mesenbrink of Garden City, Idaho; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clark Garver; six brothers and five sisters.

The family suggests the memorials be sent to your favorite charity in Helen's Name. "Nothing that is loved is ever lost."