Anna Lee Davis

Anna Lee Davis (née Rees) 

With hearts full of love and remembrance, we honor the extraordinary life of Anna Lee Davis (née Rees), who passed peacefully on November 5, 2024. Anna's life was a celebration of resilience, kindness, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone who knew her. 

Anna was born on January 19, 1949, in Auburn, California, to Bill and Effie Rees. She was the spirited middle child between her older sister, Sharon Gilman, and her younger brother, James Rees. Growing up in Auburn, a town shaped by the Gold Rush, Anna's own life became a treasure of golden memories and deep bonds. 

Even in her youth, Anna's energy and independence set her apart. Known for her skill in baseball, she could hold her own among the boys in her class, while her father, a former Marine boxer, taught her to defend herself with confidence and compassion. On the playground, Anna became a natural protector, embodying fairness and kindness in all she did. This strength and care for others would define her life. 

In high school, Anna found joy in music, playing the clarinet and even leading the marching band with pride. After graduation, she helped her family run their A&W Restaurant, a place that mirrored her warmth and welcoming nature. Soon after, Anna married Carl Jones, and they welcomed her beloved son, Steven. Though their marriage was brief, Anna's resilience shone as she worked multiple jobs to provide a loving and vibrant home for her son. 

Her career led her to Western Title Company, where her exceptional typing skills became well- known. Like her mother, Effie, Anna was dedicated to keeping connections alive, reaching out to friends and family near and far. Her presence brought light and laughter to every room, creating a sense of home wherever she went. 

In 1978, Anna and Steven moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, joining her sister Sharon and her three nieces, Cristy, Michele, and Babette. A year later, she met Robert E. Lee, and they soon married and moved to Post Falls, Idaho. Anna found fulfillment working at General Instruments and continued to build her community with kindness and humor. After Robert's passing, Anna's strength remained steady as she joined GTE in Moscow, Idaho, where she formed close friendships with colleagues like Nicole and Mrs. Flodin. 

In her later years, Anna faced the challenge of Multiple Sclerosis. For 25 years, she adapted with grace, living independently in her wheelchair and filling her days with cherished moments alongside her sister Sharon, with whom she shared endless laughter, card games, and heartfelt talks. Her grandchildren-Miranda Flodin (and her husband, Tyler), Kala Ortiz (and her husband, Dave), and Jacob Jones (and his wife, Jessa)—were her pride and joy. Each visit with them was a celebration of family, and her heart expanded even further with the arrival of her great-grandchildren, Lillianna, Aiden, Kaylee, Brantley, Evie, Braxton, and Josie. Each of them brought new light and laughter to her life, carrying forward her legacy of love and joy. 

In 2022, Anna moved to Life Care in Post Falls, where her humor, warmth, and kindness quickly endeared her to residents and staff alike. Known as the "Bingo Blackout Queen," she turned her room into a cherished gathering spot, her laughter and gentle encouragement creating a haven of comfort. Her love for chocolate and Diet Pepsi was a small, joyful indulgence, and her room was a place where friends and family always felt welcomed. 

Anna's life was a beacon of resilience, joy, and unending kindness, qualities that will forever live on in her family. Her spirit endures in each story, each laugh, and each act of love. Though she has left this earthly world, her presence remains a blessing to all who were touched by her life. Rest in peace, Anna Lee Davis. You were a light, a friend, and a beloved matriarch. Your memory will be forever cherished by all who loved you.