Fern Sweat Coates

On October 17, 2011 our beautiful, wonderful mother, Fern S. Coates, ended her journey on this earth. It began on July 9, 1928 in Great Falls, Montana. She was born to Robert and Cora Sweat. She joined seven other siblings on her mother’s side and three other siblings on her father’s side.

She struggled with her health even as a child and battled pneumonia and anemia in her very young years. Her mother’s concern over the harsh Montana winters caused the family to return to Idaho and she grew up in Richfield on the family farm.

She met Nelson J. Coates from Carey, Idaho and they were married in 1944. They had a daughter, Sandy and a son, Randy. They were later divorced but remained lifelong friends.

The family moved to Twin Falls in 1950 and for a while Fern was a waitress at the Turf Club until she was able to join the Mountain Bell Telephone Company in 1952. She made it her lifetime career retiring in 1981. She became a supervisor and was awarded recognition for sixteen years’ perfect attendance.

Fern was stricken shortly after her retirement with rheumatoid arthritis and battled the effects of that disease for the rest of her life. She did so with dignity and grace.

She was dedicated to her children and her family and was nicknamed the mailbox as she tried to keep everyone up to date on matters of importance.

She was preceded in death by Nelson, her parents, brothers Rollo, Ray, Elden, Milford, Milton; sisters Ella, Meda, Blanche and Ellen. She is survived by one sister, Ruth Swainston of Richfield, her daughter Sandy White (Rick), and her son Randy (Bobette); two grandchildren, Marcie Towle (Dan), their two children, Nicholas and Grace, Rick (Donell) and his three children, Anny Brewzuski (Jason) and their two children, Althea and Gabriel, Janell Williams (Simon) and Derek, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express special thanks to her primary physician, Dr. Brian Fortuin and his nurses Jessica and Tracy who helped so much with Mother’s needs the last few years. The Cenoma House Assisted Living, Linda Biain and the caregivers at Cenoma House, Debra, Judy, Diana, Holly, Tammy, Anita, to Hospice Visions, Tami Slatter, and her team of very special caregivers, nurse Cindy Anton, Physical Therapist Andrea Jones, Kathy Harmon, LaDonne, Sue Votrobek, Sandi, Carol Layne and the many others who cared for our mother.

She is to be cremated and there will be no service at her request. There will be a private family inurnment at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to The Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, Hospice Visions or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of White Mortuary and Crematory “Chapel by the Park.” Friends and family may leave condolences by going to www.WhiteMortuary.com