Patricia Waneta Nearing, 78

Patricia Waneta Nearing, 78, resident of Pinehurst, Idaho, passed away Feb. 18, 2020, at Kootenai Health surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Wilfred and Joyce (West) Robbins in Munising, Mich., on Feb. 15, 1942. Pat grew up in the Van Meer, Mich., area and graduated from Mather High School with the class of 1960.

Following high school, Pat married Dennis Humphrey, and the couple had three children. The marriage ended in divorce. In 1979, while working at a lumber mill, Pat met the love of her life Jerry Nearing. He swept her off her feet by taking care of and spoiling her instantly. They married in Pinehurst on Sept. 15, 1990.

Over the years, Pat worked various jobs to help support her family. She worked at Kitchen’s Mill in Pine Creek, Boart HardMetals in Kellogg, Idaho, and security at Bunker Hill. Pat enjoyed trips to the casino. One of her most favorite things to do was to go camping up the Coeur d’Alene River. She lived up there in the summer, and she enjoyed taking her grandkids with her. Holiday’s were another love of Pat’s, and she always made them extra special for her grandchildren. She loved all the holiday’s, but Christmas was her favorite. During Christmas, you would find Pat baking and cooking up a storm for her family. She also enjoyed crafts, and she loved all her animals.

Pat is survived by her husband, Jerry Nearing at their home in Pinehurst; children Julie and Kenny Holmes of Munising, Brenda Hamburg of Kellogg, John Hamburg of St. Maries, Idaho, and Larry Humphrey and companion Billy Norton Jr. of Spokane, Wash.; and brothers William and Sharon Robbins of Kingston, Idaho, Mikey and Sandi Snyder of Kingston and Steven Clark of California. Also surviving are five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Russell West.

At Pat’s request, there will be no official services. Please visit her online memorial at hodgefuneralhome.com.