Bernice E. Kolar, 1939-2017
Bernice Kolar was born in Oroville, Washington on August 31, 1939, to Cecil and Ethel Thomas. She was the 2nd of 6 children. Growing up Bernice moved frequently until settling in Kamiah, Idaho for her early high school years. She met her future husband, Joseph Kolar, in Kamiah and ultimately married him in Bozeman, Montana on June 29, 1957. She moved back to Kamiah where she started her family as a devoted mother and wife. After moving to a variety of cities in the West she settled permanently in Kamiah in 1975 where she lived the rest of her days.
Bernice was a beloved mother of 7 children, 25 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil Gilbert Thomas (1975) and Ethel Elnora Thomas (2011). She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Joe, her children Donna (Kirk Bauer), Mike (Jan Kolar), Doug (Derra Kolar), Dan (Angela Kolar), Greg (Jane Kolar), Jim (Heidi Kolar), and Jennifer (Alex Broncheau), and her 5 brothers (Don, Bill, Ron, Jerry, Larry).
Bernice's funeral and celebration of her life will be held at The Life Center church on Saturday April 29, 2017 at 11:00AM with graveside service to follow at Kamiah Cemetery, Pastors Kelly Lineberry and Arby Shown officating. In lieu of flowers donations can also be made to St. Jude's hospital in her honor.