Daina Jean Oliver, 83, a beloved longtime resident of Calder, Idaho, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born July 8, 1942, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, to Benjamin and Effie Stewart. After losing both parents as a child, she was raised by extended family in Wisconsin before returning to Oregon, where she graduated high school in 1960. From those early years forward, she developed the quiet strength, resilience, and independence that would define her remarkable life.

In 1965, Daina married Donnie Huddleston, and together they settled in Eugene, Oregon, creating a blended family of her son and his three daughters. Later, they had two sons of their own. Daina devoted herself wholeheartedly to motherhood and loving all the children, unconditionally.

In 1975, the family moved to Calder, Idaho, when Donnie started working for “Uncle” Henry Sindt Logging. The couple divorced in 1977. In 1980, Daina married Jim Oliver. They bought the Calder Store and spent their extra time horse logging along the St. Joe River, fully embracing the rugged, beautiful life she loved. Jim and Daina divorced in 1987, but they stayed lifelong friends and partners, running the store together until the mid-1990s. Daina became known for her friendly voice and welcoming presence to everyone who walked through the door.

Never one to slow down, Daina went on to work flagging, sold her artwork, and shuttled fishermen along the St. Joe River—earning her the affectionate nickname “Big River Mama”. Along the way, she crossed paths with several celebrities, always remaining humble and grounded, and always more interested in the person than in fame.

Daina was truly a Calder original. She was often humorously referred to as the town’s Mayor, a title she earned through her strong morals, deep involvement, and unwavering devotion to her community. She volunteered for the Calder Water and Sewer District, delighted and terrified generations of kids at the Halloween spook house, wrote the town newspaper “The Blabbermouth”, organized the 4th of July Veterans Parade, and was a cornerstone of Calder Days for decades. To many, Calder simply wouldn’t be Calder without Daina.

She had a deep love for the outdoors and knew the land as well as anyone. An expert mushroom picker, Daina possessed a knowledge of wild mushrooms that few could rival. She loved floating the Joe, picking huckleberries, and learning about the area's history.

Daina was also an extraordinarily talented painter. Her artwork filled the Calder Store and can be found throughout the region. Local businesses, including Regulus Stud Mills, St. Joe Oil, and Mountain Plating, proudly display her painted saws and works. Her most lasting public legacies may be the large murals she painted at the Avery Community Center and the Calder Store—vibrant, enduring testaments to her creativity and love for her community. For Daina, painting was her joy, never her job.

Daina Jean Oliver was a force of nature—creative, independent, devoted, generous, and unforgettable. To her, there were no strangers, just new friends. Those who knew her understood that no matter how much she gained in life, she would wholeheartedly give it all away. Her riches came in the form of caring, listening, and comfort to anyone who needed her rare gift of kindness.  Her legacy is woven into the fabric of Calder itself, carried forward in her stories, artwork, and the many lives she touched.  She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Daina is survived by her children: Joe (Ginger) Stewart of Kamiah, ID; Rick (Nikki) Huddleston of St. Maries, ID; Dale Huddleston (Angel Stapleton) of Calder, ID; Stepdaughters: Darla Huddleston of Calder, ID; Karen Ford of Twin Falls, ID; and Gay (Shawn) Easton of Lebanon, OR. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Audrey Stewart, April Stewart, Amy Stewart, Brittanie Huddleston (Jeremiah McCaslin), Ryan (Nickole) Huddleston, Dusti Huddleston (Cody Appell), Kyle Lawrence, Ryder Hayes, and Jennifer (Jason) Caldwell; 20 great-grandchildren; and numerous step-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, six siblings, and her beloved grandson, Joey Stewart.

A gathering to celebrate Daina’s life will be held on January 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Calder School.