Linda Leah Hines, 66,

Heaven gained another angel when Linda Leah Hines, 66, left her weary body behind in favor of her astral one on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, at Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Linda was born in Woodland, California, on January 23, 1955, to Charles and Ruby Hailey. She was the youngest of five children.

Linda met the person who was to become her soulmate when she was 5 years old. John Hines caught her eye and they started dating at a scandalously young age. With promises of a lifetime of love and adventure, she married John ("that snot-nosed kid") on June 23, 1973, in a large backyard ceremony in Sacramento, California. They enjoyed many escapades together such as riding motorcycles, camping, boating, water skiing, backpacking, bowling, spending time at the ocean walking the beach, "coon" hunting, and spending time with friends and family.

One of her greatest accomplishments was raising her two children, Jennifer and Justin. Many hours were spent chauffeuring them to sporting events, scout meetings, horse shows, fairs, and 4-H events. She loved to be around kids and many people called her Mom. Her positive influence will treasured by many. She was always there for you when you needed to talk or needed advice - a modern day sage. It was not uncommon for a complete stranger to walk up to her and tell her their life's story.

She was blessed by being a stay-at-home mother in her younger years but circumstances led her to become the bread winner of the family after moving to Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1987. Linda worked as the head cook at Bonner General Hospital for just shy of 30 years. She touched the lives of everyone she met; showing love, joy, laughter, and acceptance to all. Linda retired from nourishing people's bodies with her delicious cooking in 2020 when she relocated to Rathdrum, Idaho.

She spent her time with friends, family and her beloved dog, Luna, (affectionately known as the "good" child). She enjoyed walking trails, looking for and hiding rocks for local rock groups, enjoying the foodie scene, attending concerts, enjoying a good bonfire or fireworks, and planning her next road trip which often included some form of water.

Linda will be remembered for her infectious laugh and the mischievous twinkle in her eye. She was a loving and caring person, devoted wife, mother, and friend who was always putting others first. "To know her was to love her."

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Ruby Hailey; brother, Harold Hailey; and son, Justin Hines. She is survived by her husband, John Hines; daughter, Jennifer Hines; brother, Jerry Hailey; and sisters, Neoma Smittle and Marie Treadway. "A golden heart stopped beating, Your tender hands at rest. God took you home to prove to us, He only takes the best."

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 1 p.m. at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 North Spokane St., Post Falls, Idaho. Join family and friends immediately following at 3:30 p.m. at Majestic Park, 5400 W. Majestic Ave. Rathdrum, Idaho, to honor her in true Linda fashion with food and fond memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any local 4-H or youth program.