Nellie "Nell" Louella (James) Tenney, 94, closed her eyes and went home to be with the Lord on March 19, 2015. There were two things she felt and lived all of her life: The first was her love of Our Lord Jesus, and the second was her love of family.
-Nell was born Nov. 22, 1920, in Leslie, Ark., to Squire Jeremiah and Catherine Isabelle (Dollar) James. She was the 10th of 13 brothers and sisters. Nell was born at home, as were her brothers and sisters.
-Growing up in the hills and the hollers of the Ozarks life was at times trying, but even though they had little they had lives full of happiness. The family was very important, with Jesus as the cornerstone of their lives. They were always at their happiest when family was together. Whether it was Sunday picnics, family adventures or sisters sitting around the table sharing memories and tales, their lives were very complete.
-Nell attended PeeDee Grade School in a one-room schoolhouse outside Clinton, Ark. In 1939 she graduated from Clinton High School. After high school, Nell enrolled in and graduated with her certificate from beauty school. Although she never made this her profession, many a Saturday was spent in her home giving perms, haircuts and styles to sisters, family and friends.
-During World War II Nell worked in an ordinance plant in Little Rock, Ark. She moved to northern California in 1942 where she worked as a welder in the shipyards of Richmond, Calif., for the war effort.
-On Oct. 2, 1948, Nell married the love of her life, her best friend, Leslie "Gene" Tenney, in Reno, Nev. They had 43 happy years together until Gene was taken from us suddenly in July of 1991.
-They resided most of their married life in Santa Clara, Calif., where their little family became complete with son James Douglas in 1950, and daughter Polly Ann in 1955.
-Nell was employed by Eastman Kodak in California for several years before leaving work to become a homemaker and care for her oldest three grandsons.
-Nell and Gene relocated to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in 1982 where they enjoyed their retirement with her family until Gene's passing.
-In July of 2007, Nell moved into the Loyalton Assisted Living (later became Emeritus) where she resided until her passing.
-Nell was a member of the Eastern Star and a very active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Coeur d'Alene. She later attended church services at Emeritus.
-Nell enjoyed several years working at Noah's Ark pre-school. She loved spending time with her great-grandchildren!
-Nell was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Tenney; daughter Polly (Tenney) Armond; parents Squire and Catherine James; brothers Eulas, Olas, George, Elmer and Drexel; and sisters Ada, Ruby, Edna, Viola, Alma and Willie "Bill."
-Nell is survived by her son, Jim (Kandy) Tenney of Athol; grandsons Chris (Sharon) Tenney of Vidor, Texas, Andy (Sunny) Tenney of Post Falls, Jason (Alisa) Tenney of Rathdrum, Sean Armond, Dylan Armond and McCullough Armond of California; step-grandsons Tim (Nissa) Herbert of Athol and Wade Herbert of Spirit Lake; step-granddaughter Mandi (Jr) Wagenius of Spirit Lake; great-grandchildren Nevaeh Tenney of Vidor, Texas, Jacob and Abby Tenney of Post Falls, Riley, Alison, Katie and Emily Tenney of Rathdrum and Nevaeh Tenney of Vidor, Texas; step great-grandchildren Brock, Kayde, Noah, Brayden and Westin Herbert of Athol, Daphne (Herbert) Smith of Kellogg, NovaLee and Taylor Herbert of Spirit Lake, Kandi and Austin Wagenius of Spirit Lake. She is also survived by her sister Johnnie (Cliff) Cates of California, and several nieces and nephews.
-Her unwavering faith in the Lord has been her strength.
-The service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. Burial will be at Forest Cemetery in Coeur d'Alene, and a reception will follow the graveside service.