Obituary of Lenis B. Laine

Our Momma, Lenis Beth Laine danced into heaven on June 11, 2021.  She was met there by several loved ones including 3 brothers (Bruce, Rudy and Merlin) 1 sister (Pat), her father Merlin Anderson and her beloved Momma Nell.  She is survived by her children Rob (Wanda), Lori (Glenn), Rich (Ty), John (Jefri) and Dana (William).  Grandchildren Matt, Brandii, Codii, Ashlii, Kimberly, Chelsii, Richard, Jaryd, Adam, Jeb, Will and Sara.  She was so proud of the many numerous great grandchildren as well.   Her remaining siblings love her very much.  Terry (Sally), Andy (Anita) Marty and Jon (Stacey).

 

Lenis was born in 1933 in Burley Id.  She lived there until she was 13 years old.  They moved to Clearwater where she was very happy and graduated in 1952.  She married Richard Laine shortly after graduation.  They had three children together.  They lived in Orofino and eventually moved to Council.  Dick and Lenis divorced 1967.

 

Lenis met John Balderson and got married.  They added two more children to the family.  They were married for 33 years before divorcing.  She lived in the same house out on the river for over 40 years.  When she sold the house, she moved over to her son’s property so she could be close to all her family. 

 

Lenis loved adventures.  She had fun with everything that she did.  Laughter always played a factor in everything.  She loved to sing.  Every time we went on a road trip, she would sing the whole way.  She loved it when she could go caroling at Christmas time.  Holidays and family time were her favorite.  Halloween was so fun for her.  She would plan for week on what she was going to dress up as.  She liked it when nobody knew who she was all dressed up!    She loved dancing!  We all learned to dance in the kitchen.  One of her fond memories was dancing at the centennial ball.  She made her own gown and danced the night away. 

 

She was a school lunch lady for 19 years in Council.  She loved being involved with the kids there.  She was a wonderful cook, but she will forever be remembered for her ham and cheese yum yums and cinnamon rolls.  She cooked on fires during the summer.  She traveled all over and made many memories.  She loved cooking for Rodeo Bible Camp.  Her grandchildren remember baking many cookies. 

 

Lenis loved to be out in nature.  She wasn’t fond of water, but all of her children learned to swim.  She sat by many lakes and rivers while we enjoyed the water.  She enjoyed going mushroom hunting and huckleberry picking.  She would take the kids out to pick pinecones.  We were always spending days out in the woods. 

 

Lenis always looked forward to family reunions.  There are too many memories to share! 

 

She always had a huge garden and processed lots of food for her family.  All of her children learned how to cook, bake, can and grow food. 

 

Lenis was very crafty.  She was always able to create things for everyone she loved.  She taught all of her kids to sew and crochet.  Crocheting was her favorite.  Every year for Christmas she would crochet an ornament.  All of her family’s Christmas trees are covered with crocheted stockings, Santa faces and reindeer.  The last few years she made snowmen for everyone.  She made quilts for every one of her children.  All of her grandchildren got baby blankets.  She also made dolls. 

 

She enjoyed visiting downtown in the local restaurants.  She would drink coffee and visit with all her friends.  She would often take her grandkids out for French Fries and soda.  She would also take them shopping for their birthdays. 

 

Her early years she was not able to travel much.  Later in life she began taking adventures.  She took her first flight in her sixties.  Her first flight was so fun.  It was her birthday and she got upgraded to first class.  The flight attendant made sure she got a bottle of champagne!  After that she was fearless.  She traveled to Seattle, Nashville and Florida. 

 

In lieu of flowers, Lenis would like donations made to the Council Ambulance Fund or Rodeo Bible Camps of Idaho. 

 

We will be celebrating her life on June 19^th at 3:00 pm at the Council Community Church.  Please join us for a potluck afterwards.  Moms favorite color was red.  Feel free to join us in wearing red to brighten her day. 

 

Arrangements under the direction of Thomason Funeral Home.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lienkaemper-thomason.com

 

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