We recall with thanksgiving the life of Linda Ann (Hasksin) Detering who finished her course in the faith on Oct. 25, 2021 at the age of 75.
Linda was born on Oct. 10, 1946 in Chehalis, Washington, daughter of Doris and Ray Haskin. She grew up in a farming family in Lewis County being active in 4-H, something she shared in common with her future husband Rich. Linda graduated from Washington State University in 1968 with a degree in home economics education and taught for a year in Bellevue, Washington. She married Richard Detering on June 22, 1969 in the Chehalis United Methodist Church. The newlyweds left Chehalis moving to Buffalo, New York, as Rich began his career. In Buffalo, Linda developed her lifelong passion for early childhood education while teaching preschool.
In the winter of 1977, following the worst blizzard in Buffalo history, Rich and Linda celebrated the birth of their son Timothy Christian Detering. In November of 1979, the Detering family moved to Seattle, Washington. Linda opened the Creative Children’s Center, in part, to provide a good preschool for Tim. The center grew from 15 to 75 students. In 1983, the Deterings moved to Santa Ana, California where Linda served as the director of Tustin Community Preschool. The family returned to Washington, settling in Redmond in 1987. Shortly after, Linda joined the Bellevue College Parent Education and Early Learning Department. In 2001, the Deterings welcomed into their home Rich’s niece Janelle Detering, who became like a daughter to them. Linda continued teaching in various positions through the Bellevue Education Program for 25 years before retiring.
Linda was an active member of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church and was the spark for their rummage sales. Its proceeds supported many missions, including ones in Africa. Linda’s trip to Ethiopia was transformative. For many years, Linda served as the chair on the board of Aldersgate Christian Preschool, while also serving as a substitute teacher. In 2020, Janelle married Casey Lunzman at the family farm in Chehalis. Linda was very much involved in the planning of the wedding, giving of all that she had while she was still healthy enough in the midst of receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Linda is survived by her loving husband of 52 years Rich; her two children Timothy Christian Detering and Janelle Lunzman (Casey Lunzman); one sister Ellen Kristenson; three brothers Russel Haskin, Donald Haskin and Scott Haskin; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
A memorial service for Linda will be held Nov. 15, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Aldersgate UMC 14230 SE Newport Way in Bellevue.
