Obituary of Tina Bales

On September 22, 2011 Tina spread her wings and flew gently home after a long battle with breast cancer. She was born in El Paso, Texas to Bob Self and Betty Watkins, raised by her mother and step-father Dan Lellis having the privilege of being a military brat and living overseas in Japan and Germany. Tina moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1993 working and managing several restaurants, owning her own at one time, Pelican's Seafood Restaurant. In 2003 she began working at Elmer's Restaurant as a supervisor/server where she continued to do so until August of this year. She is survived by her three daughters, Joi Knowles, Crystal Knowles (Matt Eichman) and Kora Bales of Coeur d'Alene; four grandchildren Ravyn Smith, Ayden Knowles, Ella Turner and Torrin Knowles; two brothers, Dirk Self of El Paso, TX and Fes Lellis of Grants Pass, OR; two sisters, Cindy Rich of Las Cruces, NM and Tobie Neller of Athens, TX; numerous nieces and nephews and her significant other Ken Bender. Those who know Tina are aware of her independence and strength in the face of adversity, going to work when it seemed like an impossible task, driving herself to chemo and back home and her unending care and concern for others. She deeply touched all those she met and will be missed by so many of her customers, co-workers, family and friends. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice of North Idaho for their special care with a loving attitude and also to Bell Tower Funeral Home for their sincere and gracious professionalism. Please join the family for a celebration of Tina's life on Saturday at 3 p.m. October 1, 2011 at Bell Tower Funeral Home in Post Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of North Idaho on Tina's behalf will be appreciated. You may view photos and post a message at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com