Obituary of Alma E. Shea

Alma E. Shea passed away July l4. 2011 95 years of age. Alma was born April 1, l916 to Carolina and Gustave Beck in Ruff , WA Alma spent her younger years in Valley, WA. where her family farmed, Alma was her fathers right hand , driving a team of horses during harvest. She graduated from Valley High School, class of 1934 as top scorer for the girls basket ball team. After high school, she met the love of her life Charles A. Shea, they made their home at Chewelah WA raising their five children. Alma, was a house wife and Charlie, a meat cutter for Safeway. The family relocated in 1950 to St. Maries , ID where Alma worked as a waitress, for the C & M cafe until 1952 . They then where transferred to Santa Barbara , California with Safeway, where they resided until their retirement , Alma as head chef for the University of Santa Barbara, Calif, and Charlie from Safeway. In 1976, they moved back to the Northwest, residing in Spokane WA., where she and her husband bought a home built in 1908, over looking the city of Spokane. They restored the home to its natural state. Alma shared many passions with her husband, remodeling, restoring antiques, and a self taught furniture upholsterer. Alma's many talents were gardening, decorating for family and friends, cooking, spending time with friends, family and grandchildren. Alma was always game to play and have fun. She was admired and loved with a natural gift of giving to others, visiting the sick and shut-ins, with a warm comforting soul , as well as her great sense of humor and witt. Alma, was a member of the Central Seventh Day Adventist Church in Spokane for 30 years. She loved her church family, the women's ministry, and the great laughs they all had together. Alma was proceeded in death her husband Charlie Shea, sons Dennis Shea of La Grande Or. and Leo Shea of Rathdrum Id. and grandson Morry Hedlund. Alma, is survived by her daughter Patricia Bivens of Santa Barbara, Calif. , son Jim Shea of Calder Id, daughter and son-in-law Vicki and Gene Hedlund of St. Maries Id. 15 grandchildren. 13 great grandchildren 5 great great grandchildren. Celebration of our devoted Mother and her life is being planned for a later date with friends and family, where Alma and Charlie ashes will be put to rest in Waits Lake, where they met. Family suggests memorials to Hospice of Benewah Co. 702 College Ave., St. Maries, ID 83861 or Hospice of North Idaho 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden Lake, ID 83835. Visit her online memorial at www.hodgefuneralhome.com Read Alma Shea's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.