Ida Juanita Templin

Ida Juanita Templin was born on Nov. 21, 1927 at home on the family farm near Springdale, Wash. to Clyde and Myrtle (Steffey) Perkins. Nita was the fifth of six children, and was the last surviving sibling. Nita went home to her Lord and Savior Monday, Jan. 17, 2022.

Nita grew up on the farm with her sisters and brother, Ray (Icel) Perkins, Mabel White, Gertie (Mel) Hubert, Vera (Bill) Kruger, and Rose (Jerry) Dunn. The children had a two-mile hike to the country schoolhouse, with the older siblings helping the younger girls, especially in the cold and snow. She had many memories of her childhood and was very close to her family. Following her high school graduation at 16, she spent a year working for the hospital in Coulee City in a clerical position. Having saved up enough money to attend Whitworth University for one year, she did so, and very much enjoyed that experience. She’d had dreams of medical school, but her life took a very different direction and she embraced her future with no regrets.

Nita married Solly Stromberger in 1949 and moved to the Stromberger ranch near Sprague. Daughter Julie was born in 1960. Nita owned and operated her Grange Insurance agency out of their home, beginning in 1966 and finally retiring in 2013, at age 86. She valued and cared deeply about her many clients over the years. Husband, Solly, passed away in 1971, and she spent the next seven years raising Julie and caring for Mother Stromberger. During the Sprague years, the family was active in the Sprague Community Church.

A long-time friend and neighbor, Chester Templin, came into her life in the fall of 1978, and in March of 1979, they were married and were a month short of their 41st wedding anniversary when Chester passed away in Feb. 2020. They had a wonderful life together and their love story was a beautiful inspiration to all who knew them. During the years from 1979 to 2017, Nita and Chet were active in Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ritzville. She was involved in the ladies’ quilting group and loved this activity and the women she served with.

Nita and Solly, and then Chester, were active in Crab Creek Grange for many years. She was deeply dedicated to the Grange and had many friends throughout the various Grange’s throughout Lincoln County, and beyond.

Nita is survived by daughter, Julie (Michael) Eller, step-son, Garrett (Carol) Templin, step-daughter, Garnet (Ken) Templin-Imel, grandchildren William (Sara) Eller, great-grandson, Kingston, grandson Christopher Eller, great-granddaughter, Avalon, grandson Reid (Angela) Templin, great-grandchildren Trevor and Ashlyn, Jared (Linsey) Templin, great-grandchildren August, Corbin, Jace, and Katelyn, and granddaughter, Reagan Templin (Keith Babinec), and many nieces and nephews in the Perkins and Stromberger families. She loved, and was loved, by many.

Visitation was Friday afternoon and Monday morning, Jan. 21& 24, 2022, at Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville, Wash., followed by a graveside service at the Lutheran cemetery in Ritzville. It was also recorded on the Emanuel Lutheran Church Facebook page for those that were unable to attend.

Memorial gifts may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church 206 S. Division St., Ritzville, WA 99169, Christian Heritage School 48009 Ida Ave. E., Edwall, WA 99008, or a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences for the Templin family please visit our website at http://www.danekasfh.com.