Dessie Jane Regehr

Our beautiful, gracious mother and grandmother, Dessie Jane Regehr, was born to Ernest and Alda Dirks on February 19, 1930, in Copeland, Kansas. She peacefully fell asleep on the lovely spring morning of June 8, 2026, reaching the age of 96 years.

She was the fifth of twelve children. During the Dust Bowl year of 1937, she moved with her family from Kansas to Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Mom received her education in Bonners Ferry, attending several different country schools.

As a young teenager, she gave her heart to God and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, remaining faithful to those vows throughout her life.

On November 7, 1948, she married our father, Leonard Regehr, and together they shared 74 wonderful years until Dad passed away in 2022. God blessed their home with two daughters and three sons. Mom's hands were always busy caring for us with her homemaking skills. Gardening, sewing and her tasty meals were her love language, and she made every home they lived in a happy and welcoming place. A real treat we all looked forward to were her "Grandma Cookies" with the pink icing. She also enjoyed caregiving, volunteering at the hospital and caring for the elderly people in the community.

One of the highlights of Mom and Dad's lives was serving a term in Ottumwa, Iowa, in a boys' unit, where they made many lasting memories.

In 2022, Dad and Mom moved into the new retirement home at Sage Crest. Eight months later, Dad passed away and Mom continued living in assisted living where she enjoyed many good friends and neighbors. Mom - and we as a family - greatly appreciated the care she received while living at Sage Crest.

Those left to cherish fond memories are her children: Patricia Dirks of Macon, Mississippi; Judy and Maynard Holdeman of Buhl, Idaho; Mike and Darla Regehr of Buhl, Idaho; Tony and Bonita Regehr of Gooding, Idaho; and Tom and Marsha Regehr of Grant, Nebraska. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, 23 great-great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Judy Dirks, and JoAnn Dirks; brother, Dennis and Donna Dirks; sister, Darlene and Willie Peachey of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; and brother, Bob and Michelle Dirks of Grandview, Idaho.

Loved ones who have gone on before are her husband, one granddaughter, one grandson, four great-grandchildren, four brothers, four sisters, eleven brothers-in-law, and ten sisters-in-law.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Dessie's memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.