1951
Lynn Gaines
2024
Lynn Gaines
May 4, 1951 — June 12, 2024
Shelby
Lynn Gaines, born on May 4, 1951, to Russell and Bonnie Eckstein, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2024, in Great Falls, with her beloved husband, Ron, and daughter, Christine, by her side.
Lynn grew up on a farm east of Conrad and attended a one-room schoolhouse before transferring to Shelby for high school, where she graduated in 1969. She then moved to Great Falls, where she took classes at the community college. This education led her to a long-term position at the Assessor’s Office in the Conrad Court House.
In 1980, Lynn married Ron Gaines, and they relocated to Kent, Washington. There, Lynn began a distinguished career with the Social Security Administration, earning numerous awards, including a trip to Washington, D.C., for an honorary customer service award ceremony. Her dedication to her work and her exceptional work ethic were evident throughout her career.
Lynn was an early riser, always preparing lunch and cooking breakfast, her specialty. She was known for her unwavering willingness to help anyone in need, whether it was a financial need or simply lending a listening ear. She assisted a coworker with MS for years and kept her door always open.
Lynn lived an adventurous life filled with weekend camping trips, mountain drives, and rides in the Polaris along the beach or in the sand dunes. Despite battling rheumatoid arthritis, she never let it hinder her spirit, always maintaining her ability to walk and write. Even as dementia crept in, with the support of her family, Lynn remained fully functional and engaged.
After retiring, Lynn and Ron began traveling extensively, driving coast to coast in their RV and wintering in Arizona. Along the way, Lynn completed numerous Sudoku books, showcasing her sharp mind and love for puzzles.
Lynn is survived by her devoted husband, Ron Gaines, her loving sister, Laurel Eckstein, her daughter, Christine Deschamps, her stepdaughter, Rhonda Mulligan, and her stepson, Ron Gaines. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Mariah and Macey Deschamps, Michelle and Jay Dopp, Michael, Adrian, and Aaron Mulligan, along with several great-grandchildren.
Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Bonnie Eckstein, and her brother, Tom Eckstein.
Lynn will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who touched many lives with her kindness, generosity, and indomitable spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral service will be Monday, June 17, at 1pm at Asper/Pondera Funeral Home.
Lynn grew up on a farm east of Conrad and attended a one-room schoolhouse before transferring to Shelby for high school, where she graduated in 1969. She then moved to Great Falls, where she took classes at the community college. This education led her to a long-term position at the Assessor’s Office in the Conrad Court House.
In 1980, Lynn married Ron Gaines, and they relocated to Kent, Washington. There, Lynn began a distinguished career with the Social Security Administration, earning numerous awards, including a trip to Washington, D.C., for an honorary customer service award ceremony. Her dedication to her work and her exceptional work ethic were evident throughout her career.
Lynn was an early riser, always preparing lunch and cooking breakfast, her specialty. She was known for her unwavering willingness to help anyone in need, whether it was a financial need or simply lending a listening ear. She assisted a coworker with MS for years and kept her door always open.
Lynn lived an adventurous life filled with weekend camping trips, mountain drives, and rides in the Polaris along the beach or in the sand dunes. Despite battling rheumatoid arthritis, she never let it hinder her spirit, always maintaining her ability to walk and write. Even as dementia crept in, with the support of her family, Lynn remained fully functional and engaged.
After retiring, Lynn and Ron began traveling extensively, driving coast to coast in their RV and wintering in Arizona. Along the way, Lynn completed numerous Sudoku books, showcasing her sharp mind and love for puzzles.
Lynn is survived by her devoted husband, Ron Gaines, her loving sister, Laurel Eckstein, her daughter, Christine Deschamps, her stepdaughter, Rhonda Mulligan, and her stepson, Ron Gaines. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Mariah and Macey Deschamps, Michelle and Jay Dopp, Michael, Adrian, and Aaron Mulligan, along with several great-grandchildren.
Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Bonnie Eckstein, and her brother, Tom Eckstein.
Lynn will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who touched many lives with her kindness, generosity, and indomitable spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral service will be Monday, June 17, at 1pm at Asper/Pondera Funeral Home.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lynn Gaines, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Funeral Service
Monday, June 17, 2024
Starts at 1:00 pm (Mountain time)
Pondera Funeral Home- Conrad
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