Linda L Svoboda

Linda Lois Billow was born the youngest daughter of Lyle and Faye Billow on September 25, 1943, in Nezperce, Idaho. Three years younger than her brother, David, Linda grew up a darling of many, and very accomplished in every regard. She completed a Bachelor’s degree at University of Idaho, earning her teaching certification and beginning a teaching career immediately following her graduation. Linda’s teaching career was interrupted by a handsome soldier just returning from Vietnam; Jim Svoboda swept Linda off her feet, and they were married on June 4, 1966. A strong supporter of her husband, and a visionary who could see his strengths, Linda prompted a move to Eastern Washington University, where Jim completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication. Incredibly intelligent and a life-long learner, Linda began a Master’s program, also at Eastern Washington University. Shortly before completing her studies, Jim and Linda welcomed their first daughter, Marchauna. Another precious daughter, Nicole, arrived in 1972, and their family was complete with the addition of a third daughter, Tamara, in 1975. An avid garage saler and bargain hunter, Linda found incredible deals and special treasures, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars over her lifetime. Many things could be said about Linda’s accomplishments, and there were many. But more than anything, Linda loved Jesus. That love for Jesus showed in her commitment to her marriage, staying faithful to her wedding vows in spite of the challenges of Jim’s combat related trauma and 100% service related disability from PTSD. That love showed in her devotion to her daughters, leaving school to focus on mothering, and in finishing what she stared, completing her MA in Psychology from Whitworth once her daughters were grown. That love showed in her faithful service at South Hill Bible Church (her church of 40+ years), at times as a deaconess, at times without recognition, always with her whole heart. Linda’s love for Jesus showed in her service to others, both inside and outside her faith community; feeding strangers, caroling to neighbors, encouraging whoever God brought across her path, walking with people through grief and heartache. Linda loved Jesus and sought to serve Him with excellence. Linda’s earthly journey was completed on Aug 6, 2018, exactly two months after her diagnoses with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Nicole. She leaves behind her brother, Dave Billow, her husband of 52 years, Jim, and two daughters, Marchauna Rodgers and Tamara Kranick, as well as eleven grandchildren; seven granddaughters and four grandsons, ranging in age from 2-24. A memorial fund has been set up at Spokane Teachers Credit Union; the Linda Svoboda Teacher Support Memorial Fund. The monies donated to this memorial fund will be used to help further the education of teachers in Uganda who are part of the network supported by Medical Assistance & Missional Outreach. Donations can be made online at www.mamouganda.org/donate or by mail by sending gifts to MAMO, P.O. Box 10412, Spokane, WA, 99029. Be sure to put “Memorial Fund” on the memo line. Funeral service Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 1pm at South Hill Bible Church 958 E 29th Ave. Reception to follow. Private Interment at the WA State Veterans Cemetery. Please visit Linda’s page at hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.

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