Rosemary Corder, 80

Surrounded by her loving family, Kellogg resident Rosemary (Neff) Corder died in Coeur d’Alene on December 6th, at age 80. Rosemary was born, June 4th, 1939 in Cripple Creek, CO, to Calvin Albert Neff & Fern Alta Wilson. The family moved to Mullan where Rosemary proudly graduated from Mullan High School in 1958. That same summer, on July 12th, she married William E. Corder, her true love and best friend for the next 61 years. Over the next 20 years, the couple lived throughout the U.S and abroad in service to their country as Bill fulfilled his duties in the United States Air Force. Rosemary worked several jobs, to include electronics assembly, department store clerk, and caregiving, but devoted herself most to the love and care of her home and family. Rosemary was wondrous. Capable of anything and yet humbly oblivious of all her potential. She was a lovely vision to behold with a stunning beauty that was mirrored in the depth of her personality. She was loved so much by so many, yet innocently unaware of the cavernous void she would leave in our hearts when she was gone. She was naturally shy but had a stubborn will and would not be left out or left behind. Rather she boldly embraced new activities, challenges and opportunities with eagerness and enthusiasm and was often a natural at whatever she did. She had a soft heart, a quick wit, and a competitive spirit. She delighted in outdoor activities like fishing, picnics, and gardening in the sun. She loved playing cards, bowling, and engaging in any activity that involved the company of friends and family. She added depth and richness to our lives that we will last forever and she will continue to do so through the shared memories of those she touched. There was no limit to her love, and we love her best for it, now and always. Survivors include her husband, William E. Corder, daughter Carla E. Beehner, both of Kellogg; brothers Glenn and Albert Neff, sister Alberta Stenulson, Pinehurst; three granddaughters, Brandy Thanos (Anchorage, Alaska), Danielle Fitzsimmons (Cataldo), and Misty Sanders (Albuquerque), and three great-grandchildren, Ryan and Jacob Glenn, and Charlotte “Charlie” Sanders. Rosemary was preceded in death by her mother and father, her son, Jack A. Corder, and brother, Calvin J. Neff. Interment and a memorial will be announced at a later date. Shoshone Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements. You may share your memories of Rosemary and sign her guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com

In the first days following our darkest, Rosemary still managed to surprise us. Nestled in the pockets of her purse, as if saving these words just for us, Bill found the following poem. I imagine they speak the words she would wish to say to ease our hearts. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not here; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond’s gilt on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn’s rain. When you awake in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine in the night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not here. I did not die.