Lynda Lee (Metsker) Schultz, 80

Lynda Lee (Metsker) Schultz of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away Sept. 2, 2026, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Her journey began Feb. 16, 1946, in Boise, Idaho. She was born to Walt and Vesta Metsker. A year later, her family moved to Kellogg, Idaho, and in 1956 to Spirit Lake, Idaho. She grew up in a loving family, sharing many happy and fun adventures and memories.

Lynda graduated from Lakeland High School in 1964 and Kinman Business University in 1965. She married her high school sweetheart, Darwin Schultz, on June 16, 1966, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

They were off to Beaverton, Ore., for a year and then to San Luis Obispo, Calif. At the same time, Darwin pursued an Electronics Engineering Degree at Cal Poly Tech and Lynda worked at Sierra Vista Hospital. After graduating in 1971, Darwin was commissioned in the U.S. Army through the ROTC program. Lynda was able to accompany him during his assignments in Augusta, Ga., and three years in Heidelberg, Germany. Lynda loved this special time of travel and exciting experiences. She was a secretary with the Army before giving birth to their son, Jared, in October 1974. Six weeks later, they returned to the States, where Darwin was discharged. In 1976, Darwin took an Engineering position with the Department of Defense, and they moved to Blue Ridge Summit, Pa., where Lynda gave birth to their daughter, Bethany, in August 1977. They relocated to Auburn, Wash., in 1978 and then to Spokane, Wash., in 1980, where they lived for 30 years. She felt privileged to be a stay-at-home mom most of the time, but she was a substitute secretary throughout the years for the Mead School District.

Lynda was an avid game player, puzzler, reader, quilter and traveler. She arranged family vacations to Indiana, Florida, Washington, D.C., Mexico, Hawaii, Arizona, the Oregon Coast, and many Caribbean and Mexican cruises. Many were Christmas vacations. She and the kids spent many summers at their cabin in Twin Lakes, Idaho, with Darwin joining them in his free time. It was their happy place!

After retiring, they built a house in Rathdrum, Idaho, in 2010, returning to North Idaho where they were married and their life together began. She was able to continue doing the things she loved, including spending time at Twin Lakes. It was a fun ride.

In her later years, she suffered from myelofibrosis, which affected her health to the end with many side effects and difficulties, but she forged ahead with determination and conviction.

She is survived by her husband, Darwin (Dar); son Jared; daughter Bethany and son-in-law Jeffrey O’Haleck; granddaughter Frances (Frankie) O’Haleck; and sister Carol Wilhelm. Lynda was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Donna McDonough.

At her request, no service will be held. Donations may be made to the Twin Lakes Community School House on behalf of Lynda at www.twinlakesschool.org.

Please visit Lynda’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.

    Schultz