Louvena Rae Gisselberg

Louvena Rae Gisselberg, known as Bena by family and friends, passed away peacefully Dec. 20, 2023 in Spokane, WA less than a month before turning 96. She was born Jan. 16, 1928 in Corvallis, OR, the third daughter of Claud and Mae Beattie.

Bena is preceded in death by her husband, Herb, and her two sisters, Peggy and Bonnie.

She is survived by her five children: Beth, Joan, David, Judy and Tom, as well as 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Bena spent the majority of her life in Eastern Washington, growing up on a wheat farm. She graduated from Reardan HS in 1945 and the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps at WSU in 1948. After getting married that same year to Herb, they lived in the Portland area for several years. She put her nursing career on hold once her third child was born. In 1963, they returned to the Spokane area where she spent the next 60 years enjoying life and family.

Bena was a kind-hearted, intelligent person who did not hesitate to help others in need. She was an avid reader and collected books about the local history of the Inland Northwest from auctions she enjoyed attending. She loved playing cards at the South Hill Senior Center, going to tea dances at the Davenport Hotel, cruising with her good friend Mary, working crossword puzzles, bird watching on her travels, listening to country music, and hosting family vacations at Priest Lake where everyone would come to relax and visit.

Bena was laid to rest at Spokane Memorial Gardens Jan. 5, 2024 next to her husband surrounded by her children, family and close friends. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date.