Mary Luana Capps of Nampa, formerly of Melba, Idaho, passed away of natural causes on April 17, 2016 at 93 years of age. Luana, as she preferred to be called, was born to Marion F. Reineke and Mary F. (nee Lovely) Reineke (Bobbie) on April 2, 1923. Due to her mother's health problems, Mary Lu (Luana) was an only child until the age of 13, when the family welcomed Charles H. (Chuck) into the world. Mary Lu wished for a little brother for Chuck, so he'd have a friend and playmate. She got her wish when Richard L. was born two years later. In school Luana was a diligent student, graduating as valedictorian of Melba High in 1941. She was first chair clarinetist, an accomplished pianist, and on the yearbook staff, as well. After graduation, and with World War II still proceeding, she moved to Mountain Home to work at the new Air Force Base. She always said that new experience helped her tremendously in overcoming her paralyzing shyness. She was a typist who had the heart-breaking job of typing the death paperwork on Idaho servicemen returning from the war. In ensuing years she lived in Boise, working at the Boise Veterans' Administration. She also married her high school sweetheart, John Webster, a young mechanic who'd moved to Idaho from Ohio and worked in the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). After Pearl Harbor was bombed John worked construction in Hawaii, repairing the damage done. He refused to marry Luana until he returned safely, not wanting her to be widowed. They married in 1945 and George Marion Webster (Butch) was born in 1949. When Butch was just three months old John died of leukemia, leaving Luana a widow. A second marriage, to Phillip J. Ruiz, resulted in the birth of daughter Michele. That marriage ended in divorce. In 1963 Luana married for the third time, to Owen Capps. That marriage lasted until Owen's death in 1983. Together they had James Owen Capps (J.O.), who died at 20, in 1984. She was a faithful daughter, moving in with and taking care of her mother for ten years before Bobbie's death. She was a long-time, faithful member of the Melba Rebekah lodge, and served as Noble Grand. She was also an enthusiastic member of the Melba Senior Citizens' Center, helping to start it. Luana was a practical, frugal person which served her well as for much of her life she had only meager resources. She sacrificed much to provide for her children. She was a faithful friend, corresponding on a regular basis with a plethora of people. She will be remembered as a lady who served her family, friends, and community. Luana had a cheerful spirit about her simplified living experiences over the last several years. She moved to the Golden Glow Tower in Nampa first, in 2009, then to Trinity Mission of Holly in 2015. She loved to visit with other residents, greeting all who passed her room. She was an avid card-player throughout life, and a risk-taker in pinochle. Her passions included knitting, reading, and Skip-Bo. Luana was preceded in death by her parents, all three husbands, her brother Chuck, her son James (J.O), her sister-in-law Janice, and nephew Roger. She is survived by her brother Richard Reineke, sister-in-law Jean Reineke, son Marion (Barbara) Webster, and daughter Michele (John) Ring. She is also survived by four grandchildren and their spouses: Jodie (Jay) Gabbert, John (Donette) Webster, Andrea (Jason) Redmond, and Lisa Ring (engaged to Jack Bragin). Her niece and nephews: Robin Reineke, Reid Reineke, Rod (Teri) Reineke. There are numerous great-grandchildren. As she loved the Melba Senior Citizens' Center, and had many a lovely hour there visiting or playing pinochle, donations to the van fund or to the charity of your choice are encouraged in lieu of flowers. Services for Luana will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 22 at the Melba Community Baptist Church, 319 Randolph Ave in Melba. Please join the family for a luncheon afterwards. Funeral Arrangements are by Zeyer Funeral Chapel, Nampa. 467-7300. Condolences may be expressed at zeyerfuneralchapel.com.
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