Leila Grebil, 77

Leila Grebil, of Murray, passed away July 17, 2017, at Mountain Valley Care and Rehabilitation Center in Kellogg. She was 77.

Leila was born June 24, 1940, in Wallace to George and Dorothy Fuller of Murray. Leila remained a Murray resident until a stroke in 2010 required her to be relocated to the Kellogg facility.

She attended school in Murray before graduating from Wallace High School in 1958.

Leila married Jon Lavergne, also of Murray, in January of 1959. The couple had one son, Michael (Mike) Lavergne, before Jon’s death on May 25, 1965.

In April 1968, Leila wed Clifford (Frank) Grebil of Wallace. The couple was married 32 years and had one son, Greg Grebil, before Frank’s death in 2000.

Leila enjoyed being outdoors, especially camping with family and friends. Among her favorite campsites were the Jordan Creek/Beaver Creek area near the headwaters of the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River, Sisson’s Flats (now Kit Price), and Berlin Flats campgrounds.

Leila was very social, a wonderful host and an excellent cook. She also enjoyed games of all sorts.

Because of those attributes, many mornings found Leila sitting at her kitchen table playing Kismet or Yahtzee with friends and neighbors. In the afternoon, she would sometimes host Bridge or Pinochle parties. Friends from Wallace and Osburn would travel to Murray to play Spite & Malice and other card or board games at Leila’s home.

In 1988 when Leila took over ownership of the Bedroom Goldmine Bar from her aunt, Lucille Christopherson, the rest of the world got to experience her natural warmth, hospitality, and generosity.

With Leila behind the bar, the tavern became much more than a place to get a cold beer at a fair price; it became a community center. She never charged patrons, participants or sponsors for the many charitable events, fundraisers, receptions, memorials, and potlucks she hosted. On Wednesday evenings, Northside residents gathered at the Bedroom Goldmine to play bingo and escape the winter doldrums. Cribbage and Pinochle tournaments lured players from throughout the Silver Valley, perhaps as much for the eats and ambiance as for the games.

When playing board games such as Aggravation with her grandchildren it was difficult to tell who was enjoying it more: Leila or the kids.

She was like a second mother to many of Mike and Greg’s friends.

Survivors include sons Mike Lavergne, Prichard, and Greg (and Kim) Grebil, Murray; stepson Cliff (and Joi) Grebil, Alaska; brothers Bucko and Ron Fuller, Nine Mile; sister Sis Burmeister, Osburn; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by parents, George and Dorothy Fuller; husbands, Jon Lavergne, and Frank Grebil; and sisters, Sharon Beehner and Mary Ann Housley.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sis Burmeister for her unwavering devotion to Leila. Sis rarely missed a day with her in the seven years Leila resided at the nursing home. They also express their gratitude for the great care Leila received from Mountain Valley Care & Rehabilitation.

A Celebration of Life and potluck will take place at the Bedroom Goldmine Bar on Saturday, Aug. 19. beginning at 3 p.m.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Prichard/Murray Volunteer Fire Department or the Murray Cemetery.

Shoshone Funeral Home is in charge of cremation. Those who wish to do so may sign Leila’s online guest book at shoshonefuneralservice.com.