Jill Kristine Nearing

Jill Kristine Nearing passed away suddenly on July 21st, 2024 at the age of 53 at her parents home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She was born September 29th, 1970 in Spokane, Washington.

Jill is survived by her loving parents and three beautiful children who were her most important achievements in life: Brittany Bucsis, Ricky Bucsis, Shaun Hopla, and grandson Mack Murphy. She was an amazing mom and she would do absolutely anything to make her children happy. Her children were her entire life and a huge reason why she was so happy and had a huge smile on her face every single day. She was and will always be loved by her children and husband, Mike Hopla.

 She was a bright and shining light, a true gift to her parents John (Gail) Nearing and Barbara (Arthur) Chestine.

 Jill was a native Idahoan, and a member of the Lummi Indian tribe. She graduated from Lakeland high school in 1988 and attended North Idaho college. Jill then became a caregiver (CNA) for the elderly for over 30 years. She was the person in everyone’s life that you could call, text, or just show up to tell her you had a bad day. She would be there for you, and have just the right words to put a smile on your face. Cherished at work, she did exactly what she wanted to do, which was taking care of people. She not only took care of the residents and their families, she loved everyone she worked with as well.

 Sports were a big part of Jill’s life. During her school years, she was active in baseball, basketball and volleyball. As a young adult she loved to play softball and was on her family’s co-ed softball team. She also enjoyed skiing and swimming. In recent years, as a mother, she loved to play catch with son, Shaun Hopla and swimming with all of her children.

Jill is also survived by siblings, Robert (Shannon) Nearing, Art Chestine II, Tristina (Danny) Woodbury, Jennifer (Pat) Ealy, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. They all adored their Aunt Jill! “Jilly Bean” meant the world to all of her siblings and was the best sister.

She was preceded in death by her loving grandmother, Wilma J. Nau; they had a very special relationship together. Jill always made sure Nana’s birthday was on Q6 news.

Her celebration of life will be Sunday, August 11th, at Riverstone Park in Coeur d’ Alene, ID from 1pm-5pm.