Lynda Sandquist

Lynda Mary (Asplund) Sandquist was born November 4, 1932, and passed away peacefully on July 18, 2024, at Ciel Senior Living and Memory Care in Spokane, WA. She was 91.

Lynda was born in Troy, Idaho to Philip and Ruth (Dammarell) Asplund. She grew up in both Elk River and Troy. After graduating from Troy High School in 1950, Lynda moved to Tacoma, Washington where she lived with her cousin and worked in sales. After a year in the “big city,” she realized she missed the love of her life, Kenneth Sandquist, so she moved back to Troy. Lynda and Kenneth were married on July 12, 1952, at the Troy Lutheran Church. Ken’s Army service soon took them to the east coast, first to New Jersey, and then to Massachusetts. They made so many memories during that time, just a couple of “Troy kids,” so many miles from home. They also made many lifelong friends during that time, and Lynda kept in contact with them throughout her life.

Lynda was a “working girl” and loved her job at the 1st Bank of Troy as a teller, and later as a new accounts representative; finally retiring after more than 30 years, from what became Key Bank. Through her job, she established friendships with many people from around the country. If she knew someone in a town she was traveling to, Lynda would give them a call, and sometimes even meet up with them!

Lynda and Ken enjoyed many summers at their lake cabin on Lake Coeur d’Alene, happily hosting their friends, and their children’s friends. They loved traveling and seeing new places, visiting 48 of the 50 states. They enjoyed cruise ship journeys to the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Alaska, New England, and the Panama Canal, as well as a couple of wonderful trips to Hawaii. Lynda also traveled to Europe with a friend in the early 1990’s. After her retirement, she and Ken wintered in Mesa, Arizona for 15 years, and you guessed it, many new friends from the northern states and Canada were made there too!

Lynda loved her family fiercely and would do anything for any of them. She was the family matriarch and especially enjoyed anytime everyone was together, whether it be holidays, birthdays, camping, lake time, or special trips when the family rented a house and spent time sharing stories, playing games and laughing. Time spent with any or all of her six grandchildren was the best! Lynda was very social. She loved visiting friends and family all around the world, as well as being involved in her beloved community of Troy. Some of her notable involvements were: Campfire leader, grade school “Room Mother,” Sunday school teacher, Pinochle Club, Endless Chain of Doing (ECD) Club, and American Cancer Society volunteer. She was also a long-time member of the Troy Lutheran Church, the Troy Historical Society, the Birthday Club, the Winnebago Club, and the Retired Bank Group.

She could light up the room with her smile and she could make all your troubles melt away with her warm hug. She was known as a worrier – always concerned for her husband, kids and grandkids. Despite this worry, she was also brave, and challenged herself to try many new things throughout her life. Lynda took flying lessons so she would know how to land Ken’s airplane in an emergency! She would take her turn at driving their big Winnebago motorhome on narrow, twisting roads. She also took swim lessons when she was in her 30’s. In keeping up with technology she bought a laptop when she turned 80, got on Facebook, and then got a smart phone!

Her favorite activities were traveling, shopping, and visiting with friends and family! She was also a big sports fan, cheering on her grandkids at their games. She was a loyal friend and never forgot a birthday. Besides being loving, welcoming, an adventurer, and fun – she could also be feisty at times, which kept everyone on their toes! One of Diane and Kevin’s favorite memories of their mom was at the lake cabin, when after a trip to the local watering hole at Heyburn State Park, she came riding in on the bow of the boat, proclaiming she was the “Queen of Chatcolet!”

Lynda is survived by daughter, Diane Sandquist Hammond (and Duke) of Spokane; and son, Kevin Sandquist (and Moreesa) of Troy; one granddaughter, Alaina Hammond (Spokane); and five grandsons, Eric and wife, Shantel (Post Falls, ID) and Marcus Hammond (Spokane), and Clint (Boise, ID), Mitchell (Troy), and Rhett Sandquist (Troy); sister Judy Spencer, brother Bruce (Carol) Asplund; sister-in-law, Pat (Fay) Garges; and brother-in-law Robert Sandquist;. Lynda was preceded in death by her husband and soulmate, Kenneth, brother Roger, sister Betty, and her parents.

A celebration of Lynda's life will be held on Friday, September 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Short’s Funeral Chapel in Moscow, with a luncheon to follow at the Troy Lutheran Church Social Hall. Private graveside services will be held at Little Bear Ridge Cemetery at a later date with immediate family.

The family wishes to thank Ciel Senior Living and Memory Care, and Providence Hospice Spokane for their excellent care and support.

Memorials can be made to the Troy Lutheran Church, PO Box 9, Troy, ID 83871; or the Troy Historical Society, 421 S Main St, Troy, ID 83871.