Linda Kay Roukema, 79

Linda Kay Roukema, 79, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, surrounded by family at Hospice House. She was born in Lanark, Ill., on Nov. 15, 1946, to Maxwell Downs and Betty Fast. Max later married Mary, who became Linda’s mom, as she lost touch with Betty. She was the only girl of five children.

Linda married Gerben Roukema in Norwalk, Calif., on July 24, 1972. They moved to Hayden, Idaho, in 1977 with their children. She resided in their Hayden home until the loss of her husband in 2023. Linda moved to the Garden Plaza in 2024 and embraced most of the activities and community gatherings it offered.

She started working at Kmart in early 1979, as clock 85 register, where she worked up until retirement. She loved her customers and enjoyed seeing their kids grow up during the time she worked there!

Anyone who knew Linda knew her love for shopping, crafting, embroidery, and blanket/quilt making. She showed her love by gift giving and was always on the hunt for a good deal. Linda had a special spot in her heart for kids and always loved spending time with her grandkids!

She is survived by her siblings, Terry and Larry Downs; her children, Rick Roukema, Jennifer (Lionel) Roberts and Paula Asher; her grandchildren, Mallory (Stephan) Nylander, Amy (Tyler) Rice, Jonathan (Kaleigh) Roberts, Joshua Roberts and Jenna Roberts and great-grandchildren: Annalie Nylander, Judah Roberts and Rosemary Roberts.