AN American woman who provided a place to stay for generations of Manx students has died at the age of 85.
Between 1984 and 2009, Phyllis leTourneau, known affectionately as "Granny Idaho" - and her husband of 63 years Duane - provided a home from home for more than 40 of the Department of Education and Children's Ella Olesen scholars for the first few days of their year at the University of Idaho.
The couple were former neighbours of Ella Olesen who was of Manx descent and after whom the annual scholarship to the University of Idaho is named.
The leTourneaus become known to the students as Granny and Grandpa Idaho and many scholars kept in touch with the couple, forming long-lasting friendships.
In August 2009 they welcomed their last guest from the Island, Clare Christian, of Onchan, to their home in Moscow.
Their advancing years and a change of accommodation meant that for the first time, the current Ella Olesen scholar, Katie Taylor, of Ramsey, has not stayed with them.
However, sports science graduate Katie was instrumental in helping the Isle of Man Government to formally recognise the leTourneaus.
On her arrival in Moscow last August, Katie, the 44th Ella Olesen scholar, presented the couple with an illuminated address – a framed certificate that was signed by Education and Children Minister Eddie Teare MHK which bore the Isle of Man Government's crest and expressed thanks for the couples unstinting hospitality.
Mrs leTourneau died at the Good Samaritan Villa in Idaho yesterday (Tuesday).
Former Ramsey Grammar School student Katie, who is nearing the end of her year in Idaho, will represent former scholars at a celebration of Phyllis's life being held this Friday.
Mr Teare said: "We are indebted to the leTourneaus for the warm welcome and the home from home they provided to so many Manx students, who hold the couple deep in their affections.
"We are all terribly sad to hear this news and have Duane leTourneau and his family in our thoughts at this time."
Kirsty Pendlebury, of Port St Mary, who was the 2008/09 Ella Olesen scholar and stayed with the leTourneaus, said: "I'm incredibly sad and heartbroken to hear that Granny Idaho has passed away.
"My experience on the Ella Olesen scholarship would not have been the same without her kindness and love.
"She was an amazing woman who was involved in almost every aspect of the Moscow community and has touched the lives of so many people. Nothing seemed to stand in her way."
Tributes to Mrs leTourneau can be left at http://shortsfuneralchapel.net/obituaries_detail.php?ID_Obituary=363
