Linda Marie Zabel

On the morning of November 26th , Linda Marie Zabel left us to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She finished fighting her battle with Parkinson's and dementia as she took her last breath here on Earth. Taking the hand of Jesus, He led her into eternal rest as she passed away at her home in Grangeville, Idaho.

Linda was born on July 21,1951 to Bernie and Carrie (Burley) Weber in Sheridan, Wyoming, joining her brother James Weber who was one week shy of his third birthday. Her family-owned Weber's Grocery store next door to their home, where all of them worked for many years. Linda attended a Catholic elementary school and then graduated from Sheridan High School in 1970. Linda and Gary were communicating through letters while he was attending NNC and then Boise State. Shortly after graduating, Linda moved to Caldwell, ID where she connected with family and got a job at The Red Steer. Gary and Linda were married on October 13, 1970, and three months later Gary was drafted into the Army. After finishing his basic training in Washington state, he was sent to artillery school in Oklahoma, where Linda joined up with him. After signing up for EOD training, they moved to Alabama, and then to Maryland for a brief time. Once Gary finished with his schooling, they were sent to Dugway, UT where they resided until February of 1973 when Gary was discharged. The couple then visited family in Sheridan, WY and Broadus, MT before they began their new start in the Caldwell area.

Linda gave birth to their son, James in 1975, and two years later, they welcomed daughter, Angela into their family. Linda's life exemplified that of a faithful Christian, a godly Wife, and a loving Mother. Her children and grandchildren are grateful for the immeasurable impact she had on all of us with her unrelenting faith in Jesus. She prayed faithfully for her family and friends. Her desire to serve others and her gift of hospitality made gatherings with friends and family precious times.

In 1979 the couple bought a house on a half-acre lot near Caldwell's Farmway Road, where for years they enjoyed their big garden, raising chickens, a few goats, 2 bum lambs, a milk cow named Amanda, and a pony named McGee. Gary worked at Curt & Hal as a parts manager and later as a service manager. Linda worked part-time jobs when there were financial burdens, but only while James and Angela were in school. She worked at Dairy Queen, Kmart, Safeway, and babysat for neighbors and friends. Linda was a part of Women's Aglow where she met her surrogate parents, John and Doris Maglecic and other dear friends. In 1988 they sold their home in the neighborhood to begin a new life on the mountain above Grangeville, just a couple miles up the road from the Knight family. For a couple of years they hauled water for cooking and bathing, lived without any electricity, battled packrats, fought carpenter ants, and tried to avoid confrontations with the large, wild animals, namely bears and cougars. (We've heard it helped to build our character and made us tough). Family members volunteered their time and knowledge to help build the family's small home on the mountain with a goal of staying debt-free. Salvaging wood and windows, cutting trees on the property to peel for pole beams, and the free labor helped them meet their goal. A book should be written about the experiences the family shared.

After moving to Grangeville, Linda immediately began working at Cash & Carry grocery store where she would later retire in 2001. She was the friendly checker at the first register, greeting patrons as they entered the store. She made good friends during her time at Cash & Carry and enjoyed visiting with customers over the years. Linda worked for several more years, caring for elderly clients in their homes, both privately and for Devin's Home Care. She was skilled at helping and serving people and brought joy to people's lives.

In 2000 Linda, Gary, and Angela (with her family) were part of starting up Abundant Life Ministries where they attended for a number of years. Gary and Linda later joined Centennial Evangelical- Free Church, where they faithfully attended up until Linda was unable to travel. Linda loved to volunteer wherever she could and enjoyed serving alongside her many friends at church. You know who you are! Linda loved you dearly, and we are grateful for your friendship!

Linda leaves behind Gary, her husband of 55 years; Son James Zabel (Natasha) of Shepherd, MT; Daughter Angela Isbell (Billy) of Grangeville; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren that called her Grammy; Brother-in-law Tony Zabel (Roxanne) of Caldwell, ID; Sister-in-law Beverly Knight (Ernie) of Riggins, ID; Brother-in-law Terry Zabel of Caldwell, ID; Brother-in-law Roger Zabel (Shirley) of Boise, ID; her Aunt Thelma Taylor of Broadus, MT; Aunts Bonnie and Buntsy Burley of Broadus, MT; numerous Nieces and Nephews and many Cousins. She loved each one of you.

Linda was preceded in death by her Parents; her Brother James Weber; In-laws George and Carol Zabel; Surrogate Parents Doris and John Maglecic; Uncles Everett and Scott Burley; Uncle Francis Taylor; and her unborn Children and Grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and A service will be held in the spring when the roads are clear for those who will be traveling. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home,
Grangeville. Send condolences to the family to blackmerfuneralhome.com.