Linda Deesten

OBITUARY: Linda Deesten Carrico

62, Moscow native

Posted on: Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Linda Mae Deesten Carrico, age 62, a Moscow native, died Saturday, August 1, 2009, surrounded by family after a two-year battle with cancer. Born March 28, 1947, Lin was raised in the loving home of Martin and Vivian Deesten of Moscow. She lived a life full of faith in God, love for family, and a passion for the arts and travel. She loved living in the country where she could express her art in watercolor and music. Lin played the guitar and piano and also has sung in church choirs.

She attended Whitworth College in Spokane and Pacific Lutheran in Tacoma and graduated from Boise State with a degree in elementary education. She went on to get a Master's degree in reading from the University of Idaho. She then continued her education with computer science and library studies at the University of Maryland (European Division) and art courses with the University of Hawaii.

Linda worked as an elementary school teacher in Troy, Idaho, where she spent most of her time organizing field trips, bringing guest speakers into the classroom and even counseling students in her off time. Lin was the kind of teacher who would hold class on the floor with the children. She gave the children an education from a perspective they could understand. Former students and parents to this day recognize her for having made a positive difference. She has taught Sunday school all her life. Lin has worked with the very young and the elderly.

Some of her most memorable experiences were as a missionary to Mexico and Israel. She never missed an opportunity, and the needy person on the street did not escape her desire to give, help and teach. This is the evidence of her strength and character.

Twenty years ago Lin married the love of her life, Michael Carrico, also of Moscow. They lived in Germany while Michael was a soldier. Later they moved to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Then, wanting to be near family, they returned to the Northwest, where they lived in Coeur d'Alene and Newport, Wash., before making their home in Camas, Wash. There they have lived for the last six years.

Lin has traveled to Israel three times and throughout Europe extensively. She has been to Egypt, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada. She has visited many corners within the United States. She also enjoyed her winter home in Desert Hot Springs, Calif.

She is survived by her parents, Martin and Vivian Deesten of Moscow, Idaho; her brother, Gary Deesten of Moscow, Idaho; sisters, Marlene Crow of Colbert, Wash., Denise Bohman of Troy, Idaho and Janene Lucht of Reardan, Wash.; her aunt, Betty Deesten of Spokane, Wash.; her daughter, Lori Rohde of Rathdrum, Idaho; her son, Jared Smith of Kent, Wash.; granddaughters Audrey, Alexandria and Amanda; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and her friend, companion and husband of 20 years, Michael Carrico.

The funeral service will be at noon Sunday, August 9, 2009, at All Souls Christian Church, 217 E. 6th St., Moscow, Idaho, with friend and Pastor Dick Hege officiating.

A reception will follow at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Moscow. Interment will be at the Moscow Cemetery.

Lin has gone to be with Jesus. You may visit Lin's memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.