Obituary of VaLinda R. Gabbard

VaLinda Racheal Gee Gabbard, 63, of Twin Falls, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully at Bridgeview Estates on Sunday July 21, 2013. VaLinda was born on July 13, 1950 in Nampa, Idaho to Norma Banta and Earl O’Krakel and grew up in Federal Way, Washington, enjoying summers visiting her grandmother in Idaho. Her mother’s husband, Loren Gee, adopted her and she later worked at their family restaurant, Gee Gee’s in Washington. She moved to California, where she was a teacher’s aide for the Stockton Unified School District, but eventually found her heart back in Idaho. In Caldwell, she worked as Secretary of the First Christian Church, where she met her husband, Jim. She also worked for Citibank in Boise before retiring. VaLinda loved to connect with people and enjoyed dancing, singing and listening to music, especially her husband’s bands. Her infectious laugh and sweet smile endeared her to all her loved ones. She adored doting on her family and considered her faith in God the driving force in her life. She volunteered for Love Inc., a Christian organization that helped the disadvantaged. After moving to Twin Falls, she became active with the bible studies at Valley Christian Church, where her family also attended. She is survived by her husband of 16 years, James Dean Gabbard of Twin Falls; daughter Wendy (Carlos) Garcia of Twin Falls; son David Townsend of Kearney, Nebraska; brother Everett (Heidi) Gee of Washington; grandsons David Townsend Jr. of California, Jesse and Joseph Garcia of Twin Falls; great grandson Anthony Townsend of California and her dad Earl O’Krakel. She is also survived by her former spouses, several nieces and a great many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Norma; Father Loren Gee and her grandparents. Join VaLinda’s family and friends in a celebration of life at 2 p.m. o Thursday July 25, 2013 at Valley Christian Church, 1708 Heyburn Ave E, Twin Falls and on Saturday July 27, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church, 3207 E Ustick Rd. Nampa, ID. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association by writing Tribute@diabetes.org or to your favorite charity. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home in Twin Falls, ID.