Caroline Rose Pluid (Cal ) passed away at Boundary Community Hospital in Bonners Ferry, August 27, 2014, the same day as her husband Charles T. Pluid, 19 years earlier. She was 85. Services were held at Free Methodist Church on September 2nd with Pastor Lowell Carlson officiating.
Cal was born on July 29, 1929 in Bowman, North Dakota to Martin and Rose (Ehrmantrout) Bennett. The Bennett family moved to Boundary County, in a Model A car, after the dust bowl forced them to move. Along with some of their neighbors, they each purchased 40 acres of North Bench land and were known later as the “Praire Chickens” . On that land she lived in a log house her dad built, and it still stands there today. Cal attended Northside grade school September 1935 where her early social life centered around the North Bench Grange Hall. Later, Cal would walk to town by the Old Tibbs Road to go dancing. She graduated in 1947 from Bonners Ferry High School.
January 4, 1948, Cal married Everett Knox in Bonners Ferry and moved to Clarkston, Washington where they had 3 daughters; Carol Ann, Sandy and Helen. She was very active in Camp Fire girls and the Council with them. Everett and Cal moved back to Bonners Ferry in 1966 and divorced 1967, shortly after her son Mike was born, she wed Charles T. Pluid, August 31, 1967. They met while she was working at Deep Creek restaurant. They bought property near her parents homestead on the North Bench. She and Charlie enjoyed many years gardening and canning their own crops. Cal had a greenhouse that she loved to spend time in and the cellar was always full for the winter. The vegetable garden and flowers were beautiful and sharing that with her grandchildren, family and friends made her so happy. In 1998, the home became too much for her to keep up with so she moved to the Sunrise Court in town. Cal spent lots of time crafting with plastic canvas, making afghans and spending time with her grandchildren and friends. She was also a member of BCH Auxiliary. May 2012 she was moved in to the Restorium where she continued to play Pinochle with a handful of friends. Cal will be remembered for her wonderful cooking, her flowers, love and generosity to her family. The whole family will miss her but find comfort in faith knowing she is in a much better place.
Caroline is survived by her 3 daughters; Carol Ann Knox of Kent, Washington; Sandra K. Mace of Yuma, Arizona; Helen L. Kidney of Spokane, Washington. 1 son; Mike Pluid of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. 1 stepson; Robert T. Pluid of Moyie Springs, Idaho. 1 stepdaughter; Janetta L. Dudley of Colstrip, Montana. Two sisters; Ione Spalding of Bonners Ferry, Idaho and Myrna Payne of Sandpoint, Idaho. 21 Grandchildren, numerous Great Grandchildren and some Great Great Grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her Parents; Martin & Rose Bennett, Husband; Charlie Pluid, Brothers; Lyle Bennett, Duane Bennett, Cleo Bennett; step-son Charles E. Pluid; step-daughter Esther Phoenix.
Any donations or memorials can be sent to the Free Methodist Church or Friends of the Restorium in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
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