Cleo Coulter

Cleo Alice Coulter passed away Sunday, June 5, 2016, in Lewiston.

Cleo was born Feb. 20, 1929, in Hermiston, Ore., to the late Sarah and Robert Rumiser. She spent her early life traveling around the Northwest with her family, finally settling in Asotin, where she graduated from high school in 1948. Cleo married Donald C. Coulter on July 1, 1950, and they moved to Lewiston, where they built their lives and raised their children.

Cleo worked as a telephone operator and at the Fran Rader Photography Studio, but her dream became a reality when she opened her Cee-Mee-Nee-Kum Bead Shop. This is what Cleo enjoyed. She not only loved to bead, but she loved meeting her many customers. She cultivated many friendships and developed relationships that would far surpass the closing of her bead shop in 2008.

Cleo enjoyed beading, sewing and painting, but her favorite was time spent with family and friends. Cleo's kind, giving heart was shared with everyone she met. She and Don opened their home to so many people that they soon became a part of the family. Many exchange students were able to benefit from their kindness, becoming lifelong friends, including Hank and Mio, both Japanese students who continued their relationships with the family after leaving the valley. Cleo had many hobbies, but her true passion was her grandchildren. She spent countless hours with them beading, drawing and reading bedtime stories into the wee morning hours.

Cleo was a member of the First Baptist Church, and will be remembered as a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend. Her warm hugs and contagious smile touched the lives of all she knew.

Cleo is survived by her children and their spouses, Donald and Kate, Daniel and Amee, Dennis and Ross, and Terry and Susie; her seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 13 siblings; husband; and granddaughter Amanda Coulter.

In lieu of flowers, please send us a memory or poem, anything that reminds you of Cleo. Cards can be sent to 2313 First Ave. N., Lewiston, ID 83501; or messages emailed to cleoalicecoulter@gmail.com.