October 16, 1918 - July 14, 2010
Arva Williams Coffey Obituary
(Age 91)
Arva was born on October 16, 1918 in Spokane, Washington and was one of four children born to Ralph and Ruth Williams. Her older sister, Barbara, and her two younger brothers, Bill and Jerry, were the core of Arva's life. When they married and had children, Arva's family increased and her interest in their lives of football and law were followed and supported. Later, but most significant, was the arrival of Arva's daughter Barby, on whom, in Arva's eyes, the sun always shined brightest. Her family was everything to Arva. Arva graduated from Lewis and Clark High School and attended the University of Montana. She graduated as a registered nurse from St. Lukes', became a stewardess (when you had to be an RN) and later a supervisor at the Spokane Blood Bank. She worked at the Spokane County Juvenile Court, where she worked with Bob Brumblay who became a lifelong friend. She was promoted to a supervisory position and retired from there. Arva traveled extensively and enjoyed many recreational activities. She won first place in her age group at Bloomsday, biked through parts of Europe, and vacationed regularly with friends and family. She enjoyed her friends, painting and creating various crafts over the years. Arva loved "Happy Hour" at which time she laughed a lot and carried on lively discussions on politics, sports and other current events. Arva is survived by her beloved daughter, Barby, her "favorite son-in-law" Glen, and her granddog, Izzy, who always brought a smile to her face. She is also survived by two special sisters-in-law, Ruth Williams and Marian Williams, plus numerous nieces and nephews of whom she was well pleased: Molly Crumet (Larry); Matthew Davis (Becky); Mary Williams (Chris); David Williams (Seanda); Jeff Williams; Margaret Williams (Doug); Wendy Williams; Jerry B. Williams (Debora); Becky Paradee (Ben); Todd Williams (Barb); Julie Williams Jones (Steve); Tyler Williams (Lisa). Special thanks to nieces Molly Crumet and Julie Williams Jones who were so much help to Arva in the last few years of her life. One of Arva's most endearing attributes was her willingness to put others ahead of herself. She was happiest when she knew that others were taken care of and that she had done all she could for them. Her daughter told her many, many times, and she really believed, that Arva was one of the world's greatest moms!!! A gathering to celebrate Arva will be led by her family at Rockwood Ridge, 2903 E. 25th in Spokane, on Friday, July 30 at 2:30p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Panhandle Animal Shelter (870 Kootenai Cut Off Rd., Ponderay, ID 83852), or the Spokane Humane Society at 6607 N. Havana, Spokane, 99217.
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