Linda Lou Paine, 56, a resident of Shoshone, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls. Linda was born on August 26, 1962 in Jerome, Idaho, the daughter of Winfred and Eula Shoup Paine. She made her home in Shoshone.
Linda is survived by: her brother – Percy (Val) Paine of Twin Falls, an uncle – Charles Paine; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; aunts and uncles. As written by Linda’s dear friend, Ted Roy of Twin Falls.
My first memories of getting to know Linda, well they date around 1995-1996. Twin Falls had a regular disabilities activities and recreation group going then. Whenever bowling was scheduled, she always showed up to beat me.
We were also driving similar years of wheelchair adapted Dodge Caravans back then. Linda started calling and coming by, asking me what I knew or could do to keep her van working and on the road. Soon it was working on her wheelchairs.
Her house. It never really ended – L.O.L. A lot of us gathered here know what I’m talking about and what these times were like. I joked with her often that Linda came by her last name “PAIN” quite literally.
It didn’t phase her, the requests kept coming. But now deep down, I never really minded. Linda was good training for me and a mentor.
Because our life situations living with disabilities, often on our own…. our family members – busy, distant or passed away – soon mirrored each other. We truly understood and motivated each other to keep going, so that our lives would have joy and meaning, despite our difficulties.
Linda found strength and comfort in God and fellowship with her home church – First Baptist of Shoshone. She greatly appreciated all forms of your friendship, help and encouragement whether it was spiritual, gifts of your time and talents and at times financial. Linda loved being a Deaconess.
She loved playing the organ for you all. It also moved Linda when she was asked to play the organ, included or to lend a hand with bandages and care packages for others, with other church denominations in the area. Although many helped along the way and some have passed away, Linda repeatedly mentioned and appreciated the following people since I have known her: Pastor Larry and Hoby Sparks, Danny, Mrs. Oliver, Dee Gaston, Nikki, Fred, The Monroe family, Ray and Lynn.
Linda did and enjoyed all these things, for as long as her health allowed. Linda enjoyed travel, RV’ing with her parents, had great love and respect for them – visiting family and friends. Linda enjoyed work, until her health and body was failing, whether it was caregiving for Mrs. Hack, mowing lawns, custodian for the Shoshone School District, or working for the Manhattan Café.
Linda loved her dogs – Frisky, Rex and Tippy. She enjoyed riding her three wheeled motorcycle back in the day. Linda loved the small-town vibe of Shoshone, and enjoyed telling the oral history of the town and its residents, she learned throughout her lifetime.
Linda loved western TV shows, movies and music in the likes of John Wayne, Gunsmoke and Bonanza. Linda was a self-taught artist. She was commissioned for two Indian murals adorning the Shoshone High School Gym, another mural resides in the abandoned Animal House building.
Linda loved the home arts. For years she had a beautiful yard, trees, flowers and vegetable garden. She enjoyed home canning her harvest.
At times Linda was a food pantry recipient, but she frequently gave back to them also when Linda had a little extra at the end of a month. Linda loved decorating for Christmas, until recent years, leaving many decorations up year-round. Linda loved to crochet and embroider – afghans, gifts, and toys for children, dogs and cats – by the hundreds, which she donated to Ronald McDonald House, Toys for Tots and similar charitable organizations.
Linda loved dressing up and being in Shoshone parades – one year winning First Place. She loved attending and participating in Shoshone community events. In closing, the best way I know we can honor Linda going forward is to help a person out when they ask it of you, as best as you can, and keep doing and enjoying the things that brought you and Linda together.
Linda is overjoyed to be freed from years of failing health and her failing earthly body. A graveside funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the Elmwood Cemetery in Gooding, next to her parents, and aunt and uncle. Funeral services are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Shoshone Chapel.
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