Linda Ann Spears, 64, a resident of Cashmere, WA for the past 46 years, died Monday morning, May 9, 2011, at Cashmere Convalescent Center in Cashmere. Linda was born on September 28, 1946, to Herbert and Elizabeth (Fritz) Hoover at Palo Alto, CA, where she was raised and received her early education. Linda moved to Cashmere and lived with her good friend, Leah, and her family for her senior year of high school. After graduating, she attended Wenatchee Valley College for a short time and then went to work for Blue Star Growers, packing pears. Her first son, Tod, was born in 1967, and her second son, Randy, was born in 1970, and from then on she worked various jobs, including Dental Assistant for Dr. Vance, training people how to get a job through the Social Security Office, doing some clerical work for Tree Top and then as a rural Mail Carrier for the Cashmere Post Office. Linda married Tom Spears on February 14, 1979, at Reno, NV and later went to work as a Bookkeeper for Spears Orchards and Spears Construction. Linda was a lifetime member of the Cashmere American Legion Post #64 Ladies' Auxiliary. She enjoyed traveling, camping with her family, fishing, gardening and working in her yard, but when the grandchildren started arriving, she spent most of her time babysitting and caring for them; a task that she truly loved and would choose over any other.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Spears, of the family home; sons, Tod Burleson of Cashmere, Randy Burleson of Wenatchee, Marc Spears of Sunnyslope, Tracy Pickeral of Manson and Timothy Spears of Portland, OR; and grandchildren, Chase, Drew, McKenzie, Elle, Logan and Kenji and one to be born very soon. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Elizabeth; sisters, Nancy and Judy; and one brother, Ronnie.

A Graveside Inurnment Service to celebrate the life of Linda Ann Spears will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cashmere City Cemetery with Pastor Cheryl Fear officiating. Memorials may be made in Linda's name to the Cashmere American Legion Post Auxiliary #64, P.O. Box 441, Cashmere, WA 98815. Ward's Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth is in charge of the arrangements.

Wenatchee World Thursday, May 12, 2011