Linda Lou Smith

Linda Lou Smith, Boise, Idaho—After an extended illness, Linda Lou Smith passed away peacefully at her home on July 8, 2025, surrounded by her family. 

Linda was born on March 18, 1947, in Twin Falls, Idaho.  She spent much of her youth moving around southern Idaho following her father’s jobs and working the fields harvesting various crops.  She graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1965.

After graduating high school, Linda started working for A&W Restaurants.  In 1974, she started working for Chandlers USA.  In 1984, she started working for Idaho Timber and remained there until her retirement in 2018.  On the Monday morning following her retirement the previous Friday from Idaho Timber, she started working for her sister Mary Jo Smith where she remained until she could physically no longer work.  Linda’s work ethic was legendary.  Wherever she was employed, she was very well-known for her commitment and hard work.

Linda devoted a lot of time to causes she was passionate about including The Sparkling Wine Event for Life and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

In 1973, she married her husband, Richard Smith.  Richard brought with him his two girls, Angela and Melissa.  From day one, Linda treated his girls as her own.  Her love was never doubted, and she created a loving home life for her new stepdaughters that included wonderful home cooking and countless adventures such as camping and riding motorcycles.  In 1996, the grandchildren started arriving—eventually gaining four grandsons and one granddaughter.  Linda cherished every moment with her grandchildren and created countless memories by devoting every moment she could to them—supporting them in their activities like golf, baseball, trips to the waterparks, sleepovers, and taking them to McCall, Idaho, Disneyland and Disneyworld.  No one filled the role of grandma better than Linda.  Linda’s family was her life.

Linda is survived by her stepdaughters Angela Owen (Darrell), Ogden, Utah; Melissa Clapp (Ron), Caldwell, Idaho; and her grandchildren Gunnar Clapp, Drew Clapp, Lucas Clapp, Camille Phillips, and Jake Owen.  She is also survived by her sisters Peggy Paul (Jim), Paula Lambert, Mary Jo Smith, and Pam Valley (Rob).  She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, one sister, and her husband Richard. 

A special thanks to all her caregivers from Ancora Hospice and Angels Among Us.  Linda’s many long days were often made brighter by their tender care.

In her honor, the family will hold a celebration of life later this summer.  Arrangements have been made under the direction of Summers Mortuary.  Interment will be next to Richard at the Dry Creek Cemetery in Eagle, Idaho.