SEATTLE -- June Annastina (Stina) Gustafson Linkhart, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, born June 28, 1915, on Texas Ridge near Deary, died Friday, March 9, 2007, in Seattle. A simple graveside service was held March 17 in celebration of Stina's long life, lived so incredibly well. Her remains were interred in Clarkston's Vineland Cemetery, next to her husband and near her parents and younger brother.

Stina lived in Clarkston from early childhood until 1984, when she relocated to Seattle to be closer to one son and his family, but still close enough to visit her home of over 50 years and the family and friends who still lived there. She completed high school in Clarkston and business school studies in Lewiston and Seattle. In her young adult years Stina worked for a couple of local companies as an accountant and bookkeeper. Stina married Robert C. Linkhart on Dec. 27, 1941, and they shared 35 years of warmth, love and devotion to each other until his death in 1976. They raised two sons.

After World War II ended, she served the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley as a volunteer for many years through her church and various civic organizations in the community. She provided selfless care for her mother during the last five years of her life in the family home, as well as caring for her husband over his last six years of his life as he descended into the full grip of Alzheimer's disease.

After moving to Seattle, Stina spent her remaining years embracing her life as a caring, thoughtful and unconditionally loving mother, grandmother and friend to all. Stina's "Viking Blood" was fully manifest as a lifelong intrepid traveler, always eager to embark on her next adventure - whether alone or in the company of others and irregardless of whether it was a sojourn to somewhere near or an expedition to exotic places abroad. She enjoyed an always-present curiosity about all things and found special joy in her close observations of the natural world. Stina was a multi-talented artist and enjoyed a long life of truly creative expression that she shared with everyone around her. Stina was also imbued with deep spiritual insight, wisdom and intuitive awareness that were a source of comfort for those who sought guidance from her about life's eternal challenges.

Stina is survived by her two sons and their wives, six grandchildren, and many others who all benefited from her unconditional love and support. For everyone who knew, loved and respected her, the enduring and comforting image they will always carry with them will be of Stina's sweet smiling face, so full of love, tenderness and caring. Those of us left behind deeply mourn the loss of someone so dear but wish her well on the wondrous adventure she has now embarked upon.

In recognition of the gentle, skilled, and loving care they provided for Stina over the last 16 months of her life, remembrances may be sent to:

The Kline Galland Home

1200 University St.

Seattle, WA 98101