Linda Lee Lautenslager

Linda Lee Lautenslager of Cashmere passed away in the early hours of May 13, 2025 after a private, two-year battle with cancer. Throughout those two years, she carried herself stoically around friends and family, but she ultimately lost her battle. Linda was born on June 22, 1942, in Tonasket, WA, to parents Willis and Helene (Curtis) Lenner. She joined her older sister Ramona at the family home in Loomis, where they were later joined by younger sisters Beverly and Sandy. Linda and her sisters would have many adventures in the area, including enjoying the many lakes nearby their home, particularly Palmer Lake. After spending her first six grades in school in Loomis, she would later take the long bus ride back and forth to Tonasket where she would graduate as a Tonasket Tiger in 1960. Just after graduation, while working for her aunt in a restaurant near Alta Lake, she would meet a young man from Brewster named Ron Lautenslager. A very short time they later they would marry in June of 1960, making their home in Loomis. In October of 1961, she would give birth to her only child, Shayne. They would eventually make their way to Cashmere, and in 1964, they landed on Flowery Divide Road outside Cashmere. First living in one house, then in 1971, purchasing the next house up the street where she lived with Ron until her last few days. Along the way, Linda worked at Pioneer Growers, Blue Star and lastly, Liberty Orchards in the mail room. Linda enjoyed taking care of the animals that would happen by the house, feeding the hummingbirds, the squirrels and helping stray dogs and cats that would show up unannounced. She also enjoyed maintaining flowers and a garden. Away from home, she never missed out on a chance to go to lunch or coffee with her friends and family, and of course she always tried to make it to Saturday night bingo at the Cashmere American Legion Hall. When she had the opportunity, she also enjoyed traveling, particularly to Las Vegas and Hawaii. She made a lot of friends along the way, from work friends to lunch friends to bingo friends. Linda is survived by her Husband, Ron, at home; son, Shayne of East Wenatchee, her sisters Ramona Cole and Sandy Koinzan, many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, many friends and a couple of cats (Sara and Dorothy) that showed up and moved into her home. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Beverly Kent, nephew Marc Koinzan and many cats and dogs, particularly stray cat Ray Charles that also moved in with her. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Central Washington Hospital who made her last few days comfortable and that provided comfort to the family as well. And a special thank you to Mom's favorite nurse, Bethany. Services are pending. If you wish to do something nice in her memory, please help an animal in need. Services in the care of Jones & Jones - Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee.

Tributes

Linda Lee Lautenslager

June 22, 1942 - May 13, 2025