Betty Ruth Winey, 75

Betty Ruth Winey, 75, went to be with the Lord Sept. 26, 2007, while surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her home.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bonners Ferry with burial at Grandview Cemetery.

Mom was born Oct. 10, 1931, in Newport, Wash., to Harold and Elizabeth Sams.

She attended grade school in Twin Lakes and high school in Rathdrum.

In 1948, she met Francis Winey — the love of her life — at a dance. They married Oct. 22, 1949, in Post Falls.

They started their life together in Post Falls, where four of their children were born. They moved to Oracle, Ariz., where a fifth child was born.

Longing for the beautiful mountains, the Wineys returned to North Idaho and settled in Bonners Ferry in 1967.

Mom was an integral part of several family businesses. Although she was always very busy, mom found time to do the things she loved, including reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, building fish ponds and traveling.

We always knew that she loved us unconditionally. She was always there for us. Mom was very generous and always gave to those in need.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers.

Survivors include her loving husband; sons David Winey, Steve Winey and his wife, Sue, and Tom Winey and his wife, Denise; daughters Linda Heltion and her husband, John, and Lisa Murphy and her husband, Pat; brothers Jim and Wayne Sams; and a sister Carol Anglen.

Surviving grandchildren are Robert Winey and his wife, Sabrina; Christa Eby and her husband, Corey; Kenny, Beau, Jon, Tiffany, Kara, Trevor, Brittany, Tara and Jennelle Winey; Mike Guthrie; Rhett Winey and his wife, Tausha; and Amber, Kari and Hayley Olson. Step-grandchildren include Doug, Mike, Travis and Randy Murphy, Mindy Baronie, Carrie Smith and Richard Heltion.

Several great-grandchildren also survive.