Iva Viola Andrews Saxa

Iva Viola Andrews Saxa, 98, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, at Harmony House in Brewster, Washington, where she had been a resident for the last six years. Iva was born in Nespelem, Washington, on January 3, 1917, to Thomas and Alice (Moyese) Billy Andrews. She spent several years living in Omak, Washington, before moving back to her birthplace of Nespelem in 1989, where she lived until 2009.

Iva is survived by one daughter, Delores (Bob) Cole, Yakima, Washington; three sons: Fred and Steve Charles, Omak; and Francis "Chief" Finley, Arlee, Montana; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She is also survived by one sister, Inez Cleveland, Nespelem.

She was preceded in death by her husband. John Raymond Caltomee Saxa Sr .; three sons: Robert Bob Jr., John Saxa Jr., Thomas Bob; two daughters: Janice (Bob) Charles and Sandra (Matt) Morigeau; one granddaughter, Cecelia Thomas; two brothers: Frank B. Andrews, Sr. and Thomas Billy Andrews Jr .; two sisters: Janice Andrews Hernandez and Dawn Almeta Andrews Bierle.

She was a member of the Chief Joseph Band of Nez Perce of the Colville Confederated Tribes.

She was also a member of the Indian Shaker Church and the Full Gospel Pentecostal Church. She was most proud of the years she spent as a missionary in Alexis Creek, British Columbia. She loved the Lord Jesus Christ with her whole heart and felt that her purpose on earth was to serve Him and glorify His name. She traveled to visit and pray for those in need until she could no longer drive. She had a special place in her heart for those suffering from illness and hurting hearts. She enjoyed reading her Bible daily and sharing scriptures.

She worked as a Certified Nurse's Aide during World War II and in her later years was a foster grandparent for the Colville Tribes' Foster Grandparent Program.

Iva lived her life in a manner that reflected God's peace, serenity, forgiveness, grace and love. Everyone who knew her loved her deeply.

A dressing service was held at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2015, at Strate Funeral Home in Grand Coulee, followed by a wake service at 7 p.m. at the Nespelem Community Center. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 13, 2015, at 9 a.m. at the Nespelem Community Center. Burial followed at the Chief Joseph Cemetery. Please sign the online guest book at http://www.stratefunralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home, Grand Coulee, is caring for the Saxa family.