Linda Louise Pethtel

Linda Louise Bales Pethtel, 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026.

Linda was born on July 16th, 1945 in Boise Idaho to William (Bill) M and Elsie Catlin Bales.

Linda grew up in Kuna and graduated from Kuna High School in 1963. During her school years she met George Pethtel, they were engaged during their high school prom and married on Oct. 9, 1964 in the Kuna LDS Ward Building.

George and Linda lived in Kuna for two years, where she worked as a waitress and teller in a local bank.

In 1966 George went to work for Idaho Power and he and Linda moved to Hagerman Idaho. While living in Hagerman, George and Linda adopted their oldest son, Timothy Lyn Pethtel, Born on Sept. 27, 1967. The next spring George received an offer to work at Brownlee Dam in Hells Canyon. They met many lifelong friends in the short time they were there. In 1969 George and Linda moved to Swan Falls power plant near Kuna. After that they went back to Hagerman Valley this time to the Thousand Springs plant.

During this time they received another awesome surprise. They were expecting a baby. Their second son, Chad Lawrence Pethtel, was born Sept. 21, 1972, She finally had her two sweet boys.

In 1974 was their final move to Rupert Idaho, where George went to work for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation at Minidoka Dam. Their dear friends Bill and Betty Quigley lived across the street from them and with their encouragement and support, George and Linda were sealed as an eternal family in the Idaho Falls Temple on their 11th anniversary, Oct. 9, 1975.

Linda was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when she was 8 years old on Nov. 7th 1953. She loved serving in two Stake Primary Presidencies, three Relief Society Presidencies and taught many classes but of course Primary was always her favorite, she loved being with the little children.

Linda was a member of Daughters of Utah Pioneers and Indian Paint Brush Camp, where she served as secretary for two years. She was also on the Minidoka Companies board serving as publicity person.

Her greatest joys were watching her boys grow up and enjoying all the activities they were involved in. In her later years she was devoted to her beloved grand children and great grand children and loved supporting them and keeping in touch with all of them.

Linda worked at Minidoka Memorial Hospital for 10 years until 1986 where she loved helping and making lasting relationships.

In Oct 1986 two twin girls were added to her family, Alice and Aja Wilson were in High School when they lost their mother and came to live with George and Linda while they finished school. This was something that she treasured being able to have girls in her home and being able to support them during this time.

In the fall of 1987 Linda went to work as a secretary at Hansen Mortuary in Rupert. She worked there for 6 years and loved it. She talked about this time and the memories made often throughout her life. In 1993 Linda had the opportunity to open Dr. Keith Wayment’s office and was his office manager until 1998. George and Linda retired in 1998 and made many memories traveling, camping, hunting, family reunions, class reunions and doing genealogy.

On May. 29, 2016 George passed away and left a large gap in Lindas life, she was always so grateful for all of the friends and family who helped to fill this gap and make her last 10 years so enjoyable.

Linda is survived by her sons, Tim Pethtel Idaho Falls, Chad Pethtel Rupert. Her Grandchildren Amber Pethtel, Tel Pethtel and Libby Pethtel. Great grandchildren Allie Norby, Maddalyne Pethtel, Elsie Bernard, Stetson Bernard, Maddox Gage Pethtel.

Linda is preceded in death by her father William and mother Elsie Bales, a grandson Tyrel Pethtel, her Father-In-Law Bob Pethtel and Mother-In-Law Alma Pethtel.

A viewing will be held Monday, June 29th 2026 at 1 pm at the Rupert 4th ward building, 526 South F Street, Rupert Idaho 83550. Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm in the same building.

Burial will be at the Rupert Cemetery.

Arrangement are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home and Crematory.

The family would like to thank the Rupert 4th ward Relief Society for their compassionate service.