Viola J. LaVoie Engert Sims

We are sad to share the passing of our mother: Viola J. LaVoie Engert Sims. Mom passed Monday, April 10, 2023. She was born in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on June 10, 1929, and remained there her entire life. These are some of our memories of Mom.

Mom learned the disciplines of routine daily living from having been raised on a small farm. She claimed it contributed to the foundation for becoming a strong, successful businesswoman. Farm life, Mom would say, taught her the importance of consistency.

It was easy to chat for extended periods with Vi. She loved to hear folks’ stories and share her own. As time passed, we would encounter people in town who asked if our mother might possibly remember them, and they would relate that Vi had had a positive impact on their lives. Helping people who had fallen on hard times through no fault of their own was Vi’s personal passion.

Kootenai River Days was Mom’s favorite community event. She loved dressing up as Miss Piggy every year to interact with children. In fact, kids gravitated to our house for fun and games. Mom was a kid herself. Friends and neighbors’ children will remember playing Dirty Marbles and Monopoly, doing the Bunny Hop around the house, and listening to Mom sing “Old Shep,” on request, which they loved, but made some cry. Now and then, Mom would load all the kids in the back of her pickup and head to Herman Lake. If the lake was not the destination for the day, another adventure for the children would be to hand out flyers far and wide for the furniture business.

She enjoyed bowling, doll collecting, cards and, in her younger days, horseback riding, skiing and spending time on her property at Bull Lake. Vi’s most notable recreational activities were riding her metallic rose-colored Harley Davidson around the region and being seriously involved with the Super Modified racing circuit throughout the Northwest. She was fond of going to Reno and of attending furniture markets across the U.S. Vi also traveled extensively in Mexico, Europe and Asia.

Mom portrayed a positive attitude in daily life even though she had been knocked down numerous times. As a result, she became more aware and supportive of others who had also experienced challenges through no fault of their own.

We children were too young at the time, but what we learned later in life was, when circumstances were more stable for her, Mom endeavored to share her blessings with others when at all possible. According to a reliable source, she would often stuff cash gifts into unmarked envelopes which discreetly made their way into the mailboxes of some who were down on their luck. Mom wanted others to enjoy happier holidays. Perhaps you were one of those recipients and we thought you would like to know.

Vi was a woman born “before her time,” already living a life similar to what became known as the Women’s Lib Movement. She ran for election as an Idaho state representative. Though she was not the victor, it was a very close race. During the campaign, Vi was invited to Ronald Reagan’s luncheon for candidates in Washington, D.C.

To say that Mom was remarkable is really an understatement. She had many passions, and one was starting replacement businesses in downtown Bonners Ferry as others closed their doors. Mom started a dime store after Taft’s was gone. Another of Mom’s ventures was an antique store “of sorts.” Many will remember the South Hill Furniture Store downtown on Main Street. She was co-owner/operator of the Sunny Side Motel on the south side of town for many years. Adding to an already hectic life, Vi also managed numerous rental homes in Boundary County.

Mom loved staying busy. Many times, she overextended her ability to handle what one person could reasonably be expected to manage and she hired staff from the community to help. It is common knowledge in business and must be said, that behind every successful person there are individuals who need to be recognized for their integral efforts and sustained contributions. We want to extend our thanks to all those people on Mom’s behalf.

Our mother had two unique wishes regarding the end of her life. The first wish was to pass away while she was young and beautiful, because, in her mind, people always remember you more favorably and far longer. The second wish was to pass away peacefully in her sleep. Her second wish was granted and now, like the lyrics she used to sing from the song “Old Shep,” we pray that she has found a wonderful home of her own.

Vi was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence, and Dora LaVoie of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; her sister, Avalon Peterson, Vancouver, Wash.; baby brother Larry LaVoie, Bonners Ferry; and daughter Carol “Kardo” (Engert) Grosvenor Grannis, Kirkland, Wash., on March 10, 1997.

She is survived by daughter Linda Engert Atchison (Dave), Post Falls, Idaho; two grandchildren, Casey Atchison, Post Falls, and Brook (Chris) Schultz, San Antonio, Texas; great-grandchildren Imani Jacob, Redlands, Calif., and Gracie and Payslee Schultz, San Antonio, Texas; daughter Sharon Engert Pruitt (Gary), Spokane, Wash., and Scottsdale, Ariz.; Travis (Shelly) Pruitt, Redmond, Wash., and their two children, Daphne and Madden; Kristi (Pruitt) and Michael Eisele, Spokane, Wash., and their two children, Tanner and Brolin; Larry Engert (Pam) and son Brett Engert, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Paul (Linda) Engert, Richland, Wash.

Vi’s final resting place will be at Grandview Cemetery, Bonners Ferry, Idaho. In lieu of cards or flowers to adorn her gravesite, please make donations in Vi’s honor to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.