Linda Carol Gladman

Linda Carol Sanford was born to Vere and Alta Sanford on February 7, 1939, in Melba, Idaho. Linda spent her childhood on the family farm in Melba, where she learned a love for the beauty of the natural world. A tall, redheaded girl with an adventurous spirit, she could often be found riding her beloved horse, Trixie, exploring the countryside, or making friends with every animal she encountered. One of her most treasured companions was a baby deer she lovingly named Bambi. Some of Linda's happiest childhood memories were walking the ditches with her dad and dancing with him at the Melba dances. Those simple moments helped shape the love of family, nature, and life's quiet pleasures that stayed with her throughout the years. Her older brother, Richard, passed away at birth, and her sister, Barbara, was 11 years older.

She attended a two-room schoolhouse, Melmont, where she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Linda attended Melba High School, remaining proud of the community and hometown that helped shape the person she became.

At the age of sixteen, Linda married Norman Bates, beginning a chapter that lasted 31 years. Together they welcomed three beautiful daughters: Joni, Barbara, and Kimberly. The loss of little Joni at the age of one was a heartbreak Linda carried with quiet strength throughout her life. Linda was a devoted mother who delighted in sharing the wonders of the world with her daughters. She taught them to pause and watch a bug find its way back to its rock or to marvel at fish jumping from the lake. Along the way, Linda worked throughout the Treasure Valley at Safeway, Pacific Fruit and Produce, eventually retiring from Hewlett-Packard after 15 years. Linda built lasting friendships wherever life and work took her.

On June 2, 1989, Linda married the great love of her life, Robert "Bob" Gladman. Together they began a wonderful season of adventure, spending their retirement years traveling the country in their camp trailer with their beloved cats, always looking forward to the next stunning landscape or peaceful campsite. They loved sharing these adventures with their children, grandchildren, and the many friends who became family. The “Greatest Chili Ever” was lovingly ladled out around many boisterous Bull Trout Lake campfires.

Though she loved to travel, Linda was always present for the moments that mattered most. She never missed a wrestling match, dance recital, musical, graduation or, family celebration if she could help it. She had a love for history and devoted many hours to learning about the places she visited on her travels. Linda and Bob especially cherished quiet afternoons enjoying tea on the patio of their Boise home, watching for families of quail, deer, and other visitors that wandered through their beautifully tended yard.

Linda took every opportunity to laugh with those she loved, recommend a favorite travel route or campsite, or welcome someone into her life with warmth and acceptance (and maybe a cookie or two). She modeled a life of loving without judgment. She faced adversity with grace and strength. She saw the beauty in every single day. Whether family by birth or by choice, everyone who knew Linda felt seen, accepted, and loved.

Linda is survived by her daughters, Barbara Hanna (Ron) and Kimberly Juris (Jon); grandchildren, Shae Hanna-Scott (Tom), Michael Copeland (Tara), Jacob Copeland, and Erin Duffin (Tyson); great-grandchildren, Camden, Adam, Brecken, Bridger, Collin, Bob’s Daugher; Janet Kostechka (Paul) and treasured friends Russ and Shannon Phillips and their family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob Gladman; her parents, Vere and Alta Sanford; her brother, Richard; her sister, Barbara; Son in law, Ron; and her precious daughter, Joni.

Linda leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, quiet wisdom, adventurous spirit, and an enduring reminder to slow down and never stop finding wonder in the world. Linda’s service will be held on July 30th at Bowman Funeral Home at 2:00pm. We would love you to join us to celebrate the joy of a life well lived.