Stacia L. Fifield, 80, of Troy

Stacia Lea Fifield, 80, passed away with family by her side Feb. 16, 2013, at St.  John’s Lutheran Hospital.  

Stacia was born Sept. 6, 1932, at the Iron Creek homestead in Troy, the second oldest of 10 children to John and Tressa Kovar.  

She graduated from high school in 1950.  Stacia met Glen Fifield in the summer of 1948 when he drove his team of horses down to mow the Kovar hayfields. They were married in August 1950 and moved to Seattle where Glen served in the U.S. Army at Fort Lawton. While in Seattle, their first son, Franklin, was born. Stacia and Glen returned to the ranch on Keeler Creek in 1952. Another son, James, was born there, followed by daughters Tressa and Jennifer.

The ranch was their home for more than 60 years. They celebrated 63 years of marriage on Aug. 21, 2012.   

Stacia was a true ranch woman and endured the challenges of ranching on Keeler Creek, even though she hated bears, dealing with them on a nightly basis for years. She came to the conclusion that “a good bear is a dead bear” and wasn’t afraid to share her opinion on the subject.  

She enjoyed the outdoors and was happiest fishing. When she was young she and her sisters frequently hiked the 12-mile round trip from Iron Creek to Grouse Lake to fish. Stacia was a champion huckleberry picker and an avid gardener.  

She and Glen faithfully attended John Sater’s auction in Bonners Ferry for 45 years, being his oldest customers. Stacia loved the auction.

Family was most important. Stacia had a close lasting bond with her sisters and brothers and was a loving grandmother. Stacia was also an accomplished quilter, making many beautiful quilts for family and friends. She was a wonderful cook, with everyone welcome at the dinner table. Stacia served many years as a rural election judge and was a charter member of the TriValley Social Club.  

Stacia was preceded in death by her parents, John and Tressa Kovar; brothers, Robin Kovar, Martin Kovar and George Kovar;  sisters, Christine Eatinger, Caroline Guthrie and Susan Bennett.  

Survivors include husband, Glen Fifield of Troy; children, Frank (Corrine) Fifield of Libby, Jim Fifield of Troy, Tressa (Larry) Coryell of Troy and Jennifer (Brian) Smith of Troy. 

Grandchildren include Lorrene (Bob) Henson of Oklahoma, Justin (Wendy) Fifield of Oklahoma, Jamie Fifield of North Dakota, Owen Fifield of North Dakota, Blaine Fifield of Montana, Warren Fifield of Idaho, Frankie and Madison Smith of Troy; great-grandchildren, William Fifield, Christopher Fifield, Elizabeth Fifield, Stacia Husky, and Jennifer Lockman, all of Oklahoma; and great-great-grandson Leo Husky. 

Other survivors include sisters, Becky Krebs of Virginia, Linda (Gordon) Lockman of Idaho, and brother John Todd (Dani) Kovar of Washinton.

Services were held Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, at the Church of God in Troy.  

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.