1943 - 2013
Amy was born on Sept. 26, 1943. She
grew up as the second oldest in a family of seven siblings. After graduating
high school in Rosemount, Minnesota, she attended Wartburg College, in Iowa.
Following college, Amy’s desire to
aid others led her to the mission field in New Guinea as a teacher for four
years. Because of her knowledge and compassion, Amy became known to them as
'White Angel'. She lived up to this title throughout her life. In the early
1980's she served in the mission field in Cameroon and taught art for four
years.
Amy returned to Minnesota and
continued her studies. She earned her master's degree in education and began
building her legacy as a teacher for emotionally and environmentally challenged
children.
In 2000, she moved to Boise and
accepted a position at Lowell Scott Middle School as a special education
teacher. Amy brought an innovative program with her that many schools in the
state continue to look to for guidance. Her dedication to the students was seen
through her caring nature. She visited students' homes to support their success
and donated school supplies, clothing, time, and food, to those in need.
Amy was an active member of Wright
Congregational Church where she served in many areas. She enjoyed singing in
the choir, teaching Sunday school, and preparing and serving community dinners.
She had also been active with the Boise Urban Garden School (BUGS).
Her special interests ranged from
flowers, gardening, camping, singing, playing musical instruments, to her
latest passion at which she excelled, woodcarving. She loved the Western theme,
incorporating it into everything. She was also devoted to her two labradoodles,
Darby and Belle.
Amy and Jo Elliott-Blakeslee died in
September of this year at Craters of the Moon National Monument. We shall move
on with kind memories as best we can; for, as Amy would say, “do or do not,
there is no try”.
Amy is survived by her siblings:
Jenny, Margaret, Steve, Joan, Irene, and Claudia.
A memorial service for Amelia
Linkert and Jo Elliott-Blakeslee will be held on Friday, November 8, 2013, at
11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Rockies, 717 North 11th Street in Boise,
Idaho.
Our family is grateful to the
searchers, volunteers and many friends, known and unknown, who assisted in
finding Amy and Jo - thank you. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully
requests donations to the Wright Congregational United Church of Christ, 4821
Franklin Road, Boise, Idaho 83705.