Bernadette (Bernie) Olivia Denevan passed away peacefully March 3, 2013, at her home in Lewiston. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. James Catholic Church in Lewiston. A rosary will precede the Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place at a later date.

Bernadette was born to George and Dorothea Schlechter Lechtenberg on Aug. 23, 1930, at Miller, S.D. She graduated in 1948 from Fairview High School in Polo, S.D. Following graduation, she went to work for the Productive Marketing Administration in Miller, S.D. Bernie then went to work in 1951 for the quartermaster at Fort Worden, Wash., where she met and married John R. (Jack) Denevan on Jan. 7, 1953. They lived in Bovill for a brief period, and then moved to Lewiston in 1953. She worked for the Lewiston School District for 22 years, retiring in 1992.

She enjoyed crafting, antiquing, reading, camping, spending summers at their cabin on the Moyie River near Canada and being with family. Bernie was a joy to be around, and a day doesn't go by that we don't appreciate all the love, guidance and support she offered. She had a wonderful spirit.

Bernie is survived by her husband, Jack, at the family home where they have resided since 1955; one son, Eric (Rick) Denevan and wife Debbie of Spokane; two daughters, Karen Moore and husband Dan of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and Lori Lee Shirk and husband Kevin of Marysville, Wash.; and two grandsons and three granddaughters, Drew and Kylee Denevan and McKenzie, McKayla and Colton Moore. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life. Bernie is also survived by two sisters, Phyllis Rasmussen and Jeanne Krause; many nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law Bob and Shirley Denevan, Harold and Helen Buress; and sister-in-law Roberta Lechtenberg.

A special thank you to St. Joseph Family Hospice, who were angels in our time of need.