Etta J. Fazenbaker

"So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart." - David Romano
Etta J. Fazenbaker, 92, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, at Royal Plaza Retirement Center in Lewiston, where she had resided for 1½ years.
Etta was born July 30, 1932, in Selby, S.D., to Ada and Homer Moak. When her father died, Ada remarried and moved to her husband's homestead. Etta and her six siblings stayed behind to attend school and manage the family farm. Those Depression years were tough; life lessons that carried her through life. After graduating high school she and a friend moved to Mitchell, S.D., where she worked in a bank and met Bob Fazenbaker. Bob was drafted and fought in the Korean War; after his return, they were married Sept. 4, 1954, in the Methodist Church after Sunday services. They were married for 65 years when Bob passed away.
Bob and Etta moved to Lewiston in 1956 after visiting Etta's sister Bernice and Bob got offered a job at Potlatch Corp. Etta went to work at Idaho First National Bank. After the birth of Barbara in 1957 and Gary in 1959, she decided to stay home and raise the children; typical for that era. Later she went to work for the Lewiston School District as a secretary, working in several schools before retiring in 1993. During these years there were many camping and fishing trips up the Lochsa River with family and friends as well as trips to South Dakota to check-in with family.
Mom and Dad were active members of the Crankers Club going on monthly tours in their 1920 Dodge Touring, the 1930 Model A or the 1950 Chevy Coupe. They spent 10 years wintering in Yuma, Ariz.; making new friends. While there, they played cards or went on runs through the desert in a Volkswagen that was modified for these trips.
Etta is survived by Barbara (Rob) Kottkey of Clarkston, Gary (Debra) Fazenbaker of Garden Valley, Idaho, one sister Etta Roebuck and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom had many health issues in her final years, never complaining. When we asked how she was doing her answer was always "I'm just fine," and now we know that she finally is "fine" and at peace.