M. DeAnne Bithell

Obituaries are difficult to write. They are woefully inadequate in measuring the loss of a loved one, yet essential in triggering the bank of memories that sustain those who said their temporary good-byes.
It is in this spirit that we write of the passing of our good friend, wife, mother, aunt and sister, DeAnne Mary Bithell. DeAnne passed through the heavenly portal at St. Lukes Meridian in the evening of February 24th. Born in Twin Falls she was a young 73.
With a week having passed we earthlings can only imagine the glory of reunion with those who went before. Her Mom (Mary Wilkins Eslinger), her Dad (Elmer Eslinger), and younger sister (Denita). Those who mourn her passing include her husband Neil of 50 years and daughter Amy. Siblings with whom DeAnne embraced in good times and in moments of blunt advice-giving are: Dennis Eslinger (Darlene), Denise Allred (Bob), Doug Eslinger (Cathy), Dan Eslinger (Roxie), Kelly Eslinger (Michelle).
Space constraints temper the number of extended family members who aren't mentioned by name. However, DeAnne would not forgive this author if the children of Denita's daughter Tina were not cited as special in her life. Ryder (9) and Reagan (6) were essentially grandchildren. They were able to spend quality time with "Auntie" DeAnne while in the hospital. Kami Halbrook's kids were also "grandkids" to DeAnne, as well as Lenny, Cameron, and Addilyn.
With the mention of DeAnne's mom, many family members instantly spoke of her homemade pies. One of DeAnne's repeated wishes in her final days was to have her Mom bake a pie upon her arrival.
Discussions of pie triggered a curious, delightful memory of a trip to California with her sister and husband, Denise and Bob. The morning of a bright March day in Carmel-By-The Sea was spent at the Carmelite Monastery in Carmel followed by an afternoon trip to Big Sur where we devoured, what else, a fresh strawberry pie. For someone inclined to make a living through mathematics, DeAnne was quick to point out the coincidence of eating pie on Pi day, indeed the only real Pi day in the history of the world, 3.14.16.
Other destinations that comprised warm, meaningful memories for DeAnne were Washington DC and Cabo San Lucas. The BSU/Virgina game was a pretext to spend a day at Monticello, traverse the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway and spend a week in Washington DC.
Cabo's purpose was to be lazy and refine DeAnne's margarita making skills.
Travel was a pleasant aside to DeAnne's life but her focus was on her husband and daughter. She made their life whole. DeAnne and Neil met at the University of Idaho, a couple of farm kids from Blackfoot and Kimberly who teamed up in January, 1975.
After their marriage DeAnne continued her education at BSU and Idaho State University where she graduated with a degree in Accounting. Subsequent to that she earned her CPA designation.
Professional career time was spent at Coopers and Lybrand, MWI, and F&C Corporation. She retired from Simplot in 2013.
Regardless of educational and professional achievements most graduates of small high schools reflect fondly on that time of their lives. DeAnne was a proud graduate of Kimberly High School where most of her classmates were similar to her, hard working farm kids. She was a cheerleader, drill team member, member of the band and pep club. She also earned a widely respected distinction of being chosen as Honored Queen of Job's Daughters, Bethel 43, Twin Falls.
A conclusion to DeAnne's picture of life must include commendations to those who made her hospital stay as pleasant as possible. Thank you, St. Lukes, especially the ICU team of professionals. DeAnne was by all accounts their favorite patient. Evidence of that distinction is the staff's willingness to allow her two Airedale dogs, Rosie and Biff to visit two days in the ICU. Those were her two best days. And, perhaps the same for the doctors and nurses as well. DeAnne was touched by visits from family and friends from Eastern Idaho, the Magic Valley, the Treasure Valley and Washington.
Over the years DeAnne had benefited immeasurably from the care provided by personal physicians. The family extends heart felt thanks to Dr. Benjamin Powers and Heather Dobbins, PA-C.
Services to honor the life of DeAnne will be held as follows:
Who: Relyea Funeral Home
Where: 318 N. Latah Boise
When: Saturday, March 8 at 11am
Internment will occur at Cloverdale Cemetery. There will be no graveside service. The family will host a celebration of life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite animal rescue.
Click here to view a webcast of the service on 3/8/2025 at 10:55 AM, Mountain Standard Time.