Took a trip down memory lane to celebrate and remember the mother of one of my dearest friends. Also, got some quality time with the Niederer Family which is always a bonus.
Linda Lee Kerbs Crapo, 82, of Parker, passed away peacefully
surrounded by family on Thursday October 26, 2023. She was born on June
22, 1941, in St. Anthony, Idaho the fifth child of George and Bertha
Kerbs. Linda treasured her childhood growing up in Wilford and enjoyed
riding bikes, swimming in the canal and fishing with her dad. She spent a
lot of time working with her family raising hay and milking cows.
Linda graduated from South Fremont High School in 1958. She met her
future husband George Crapo early in her teenage years. George was
visiting her home with one of her brothers and went out to the barn to
find Linda milking a cow. Upon discovering what a hard worker she was he
was convinced she was destined to be his wife. They became best friends
and high school sweethearts and were married for time and all eternity
on December 4, 1959, in the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. They shared a loving marriage for 61
years.
George and Linda settled in Parker, Idaho where they raised six
children. Linda’s life was full as she worked side by side with George
as they built their farming and trucking operations and cared for her
family. Linda was an excellent cook, well-known for her delicious
homemade bread, rolls and cinnamon rolls. She could frequently be found
delivering a loaf of bread or a batch of rolls to friends and neighbors
and she especially looked forward to the annual Parker Ward Fundraiser
Auction where her baked goods were prized items. Canning season was one
of Linda’s favorite times of year. She took great effort teaching her
children and grandchildren the art of canning and cooking.
As her children grew Linda’s home became a hub for all kids. She and
George welcomed many children into their home and loved them like their
own. She adored her grandchildren and there was nothing she loved more
than being surrounded by family and hosting family gatherings. Work
was important to Linda, and she taught her children by example the value
and importance of a job well done. Driving truck during potato harvest
was a job she especially enjoyed, she drove for over 40 years.
Linda served on the Saint Anthony Library Board and was also honored
as The Farm Bureau Woman of the Year in 2012. She and George were
skilled dancers and often entertained the family with a spontaneous
swing dance performance in their kitchen. They enjoyed riding their
Harley Davidson motorcycle and traveled throughout much of the Western
United States and Canada with family and friends.
As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints Linda served as Relief Society President, Young Woman President,
Stake Girl’s Camp Director, as a temple worker in the Rexburg Temple,
and in many other callings throughout the years. One of her most
treasured callings was as a nursery leader. She is still tenderly known
today as “Grandma” to the many nursery children she lovingly served.
Linda faced great adversity when she experienced a life-threatening
stoke in February of 2010. Through sheer grit and determination, she
overcame many obstacles resulting from her stroke. As a devoted husband
George lovingly cared for her through those years.
She is survived by her children: Ryan (Rosita) Crapo of Teton, Judd
(Susan) Crapo of St. Anthony, Melissa (John) Pocock of Sugar City, Conn
(Whitney) Crapo of Newdale, Jill (Mike) Cox of Manhattan, Kansas, and
Cade (Katie) Crapo of Parker; 31 grandchildren and 52
great-grandchildren. Also, siblings Larry Kerbs, Wilford, Gary Kerbs,
Idaho Falls; Sharon Griffel, and Duane (Lynda) Kerbs both of Ashton.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George, her parents George
and Bertha Kerbs, her in-laws, Maurice and Vida Crapo, brother Daris
Kerbs and daughter-in-law Robin Crapo.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 6,
2023, at the St. Anthony LDS Stake Center, 247 East 4th North, with
Bishop Cade Crapo officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday
evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and Monday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.,
both times at the Stake Center. Interment will be at the Parker Cemetery
under the direction of Baxter Funeral Home.
Please consider a memorial contribution in memory of Linda to the
South Fremont Education Foundation, PO Box 263, St. Anthony, ID 83445.
