Sarah Belle Hietala

Sarah Belle Hietala, age 95, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away on June 2, 2026. She was at peace and surrounded by family.

Sarah was born on August 2, 1930 to Harold and Mabel Higbee and grew up near Cataldo, Idaho up Latour Creek. Sarah graduated from Kingston High School in 1948 where she met her future husband William “Bill” Hietala.

Sarah and Bill were married from 1949 until Bill’s passing in 2006. They lived in various places in North Idaho and for a short time in Spokane Valley before settling in Coeur d’Alene. Sarah and Bill were blessed with four children: Cary, Carol, Gayle, and Brian.

After raising her children, Sarah went to work for the U.S. Post Office in Hayden. Sarah loved gardening, cooking, studying religious and spiritual texts with her friends, and, most of all, spending time with her ever-expanding family.

Sarah is survived by her 13 grandchildren (Patty, Sandy, Josh, Carl, Amy, Beth, Amanda, Clint, Nick, Ben, Eric, Richae, and Kellen), 37 great grandchildren, 9 great great grandchildren, son-in-law Gary, daughter-in-law Diane, and sister Jo.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, son Cary, daughter Carol & son-in-law Bill, daughter Gayle, son Brian, great granddaughter Theresa, and sister Jane.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer.

Sarah’s family wishes to thank the amazing caregivers and staff at Orchard Ridge for the wonderful care they gave Sarah.