OBITUARIES: Lynda D. Pitkin

PENDLETON – Lynda D. Pitkin, 61, of Pendleton, died Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008, at her home after a courageous 13-year battle with cancer. A private graveside service and reception will be held at a later date.

Mrs. Pitkin was born Oct. 24, 1947, in Pasco, Wash., to William and Laura (Jackson) VanAtta. She received her bachelor of science degree in psychology and minor in criminal justice and chemical dependency from the University of Minnesota in Mankato.

She married Gannett L. Pitkin in 1971 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She worked with her husband at Help Care Services as a co-facilitator for domestic violence programs and chemical dependency assessments. She also had worked many years at the University of Idaho, and as a substitute teacher.

She enjoyed flowers and creative gardening, and had a keen penchant for words and writing. She will be remembered always for the spontaneous joy she brought to those around her.

Mrs. Pitkin is survived by her husband, Gannett L. Pitkin of Pendleton; daughter Renee’ Wauge of Medford; sons Che’lan Pitkin of El Paso, Texas, and Gannett F. Pitkin of Maplewood, Minn.; brother Jim VanAtta of Boise, Idaho; sister Chareese Becinski of Tacoma, Wash.; and three grandchildren.

Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop is in charge of arrangements.