Lynn Botkin died Saturday morning, September 16, 2017, at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. She had enjoyed good health and an active social life up until Saturday, September 9th, when she suffered a stroke. She spent her last week surrounded by the soundtrack of her life – lots of family all together, laughing, shuffling cards, and enjoying each other. We are smiling, knowing that a wonderful welcoming committee met her. Before the stroke, she had lived independently in her own home on Steele Street, the home she and her husband Mick purchased in 1953, when Lynn said “This will work for a while!”
Lynn, nee Barbara Lynn Johnson, was born November 28, 1926, in Bakersfield, California, daughter of Elmer Lynn and Charlotte Pearl (nee Kennedy) Johnson. She spent her childhood in Bakersfield before moving to Fruita, Colorado at age 16, when her mother Charlotte married Paul Botkin (Mick’s father) in October 1942, after both were widowed. After losing her father and being an only child, Lynn was excited to gain a new “Pop” and 5 new step brothers, 4 of whom she came to know and love as brothers, and one of whom she married! She recalled: “Mick came home to Fruita from college in Laramie for Christmas Vacation in December 1942. He was 20 and very good looking. I thought he was really special. When Mick got out of the service in 1946, I introduced him to my friends as my brother, but I knew I really liked him. That summer, we were both at home in Fruita for the first time since our parents were married, and we enjoyed doing things together. By the end of June, we decided to marry. When Guy learned of our plans, he exclaimed, ‘I don’t think that’s legal’ – proof to me that he really accepted me as his sister!”
Lynn and Merwin Paul “Mick” Botkin were married on June 20, 1948, at the Methodist Church in Fruita, Colorado. In May of 1948, she had earned her B.A. in Secondary Education from Colorado State College of Education (now University of Northern Colorado) in Greeley, a college both her mother and her father had attended. She and Mick made their first home in Laramie while Mick earned his M.S. in animal production from the University of Wyoming in 1949, and Lynn worked at the UW Library. They then moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where in 1952, Mick earned his Ph.D. in animal husbandry from Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University). They moved back to Laramie permanently in 1952 when Mick was hired as an Animal Science professor at UW.
Lynn was a homemaker during the years she was raising her children, and later worked for Spring Creek Conoco and the UW Bookstore. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Lynn was a 4-H cooking leader for several years, even beyond the time her children were no longer in 4-H, touching many young lives. Lynn also volunteered at Ivinson Memorial Hospital, and she was a docent for several years at the Laramie Plains Museum, inside Laramie’s historic Ivinson Mansion. She enjoyed bridge, bowling, and golf, and the extended Botkin family could always count on her to document important events with her camera. She delighted in a wide circle of friends in Laramie, and in recent years, she especially loved her “party days” every Wednesday when she joined several women friends for both breakfast and lunch gatherings.
Her husband of 66 years died June 18, 2014; Lynn had been a devoted caregiver to Mick the last couple of years of his life. She is survived by her daughters Jan Therkildsen, Arvada, Colorado, Jean (Dave) Pederson, Laramie, and Julie (Don) Wade, Yakima, Washington; son Paul Botkin and Kimberly Shepherd, Laramie; brother Guy Botkin and his wife Roberta, Parachute, Colorado; grandchildren April French, Carl (Shari) French, Ryan (Jacque) French, Tyler Therkildsen and his fiancée Alisa Konishi, Drew (Sarah) Pederson, Martha (Grant) Armbruster, Susanne Pederson, Daniel Pederson, Abby (Greg) Parke, Grant Wade, and Preston Wade; 14 great grandchildren and 2 on the way; several nieces and nephews; and her grand-dog Lucky, Paul’s dog who kept her company during the day in recent years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Elmer Kennedy Johnson (who died in infancy), brothers Bill Botkin and his wife Mary, Jim Botkin and his wife Virginia “Jina”, and Leland Botkin and his wife Leona, and granddaughter Stacy Wade.
The family would like to give a big thank you to the nurses and doctors at Ivinson Memorial Hospital, who cared for Lynn with compassion and affection while she was there. Services will be held at 10 o’clock on Thursday, September, 21, 2017, at the United Presbyterian Church, 215 S. 11th St. in Laramie, with Pastor Tom Schoeneck officiating. Montgomery Stryker Funeral Home of Laramie is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Laramie Plains Museum Association or to the charity of your choice.
We were so sad to hear of your mom's passing. She was such a special lady. She and your dad were both examples of lives well lived. We like to think of Mick and Lynn enjoying the company of our folks, Lyle and Naoma King, somewhere in heaven... Bernae King Brown and Carie King
To the entire Botkin Family: The obituary for Lynn perfectly depicts her life, which was always so full of family and friends! I smile when I think of the "Ag Bunch", of which Mick and Lynn were so much a part of for so many years. I know she will truly be missed.
So sorry to hear of Lynn's passing. I only met her once when her daughter, my second cousin and good friend Jan Therkildsen, introduced us. I'm proud to be related to such a generous spirit. Thank you for the detailed obituary. -- (My grandma, Cora Lee Kennedy Plucknett and Lynn's mother Charlotte Pearl Kennedy Johnson, were sisters.)
So sorry to hear about your mom - glad for her family that she lived so well for so long.
Paul, You and your family are in our prayers. Christina and Davy Moore
Paul and Family,, Your mom always had such a warm smile, she was such a nice lady. Please accept our condolences. Joseph and Patsy Vigil
I was deeply saddened to read of your loss. Lynn always had a smile on her face and was so pleasant to be around. With Sympathy to you all. Nancy Kern
Lynn's life is an example to each of us. She was a lady who lived her life full of contentment and satisfaction. Our lives have truly become enriched because of the way she lived her life. My condolences to her children and their families. My love and sympathies to each and every one of you. Danny Nelson
I was very sad to hear of Lynn's passing. They both meant a lot to my grandparents. The holidays won't be the same with out the traditional onion fry. Had my very first onion ring in the garage.
So sorry to hear of your loss, Jan. What wonderful memories you must have. God Bless
My sympathies and condolences go out to Lynn's family and friends. Although I didn't know Lynn I have a very dear friend in Jan Therkildsen. May everyone know and feel the comfort ofGod in the days' to come and the love from all the family and friends.
Lynn and Mick always treated me like another son, they and my parents were such close friends. I will always miss them, like I do my parents. Love, Marshall
What wonderful Mom and Dad you all had, Don and I always enjoyed meeting them in Spokane and Leavenworth for a golf game, Mick and Don were always challenging each other. Your Mom always was smiling. But now the three of them will have a game of their own. They will be missed, but their love will always be with us.
I have fond memories of Lynn and always remember her smile and friendliness. I was grateful for her assistance and guidance as she helped me sew a band dress in the 70's. We had to take it apart to make ir right. I still follow her advice when I sew garments. RIP, Lynn ....hope you have a lot of laughs up there with my mom, Aunt, dad, Clancy, Mik and many more!
We are thankful that Lynn is now at home with Mick and with their Lord. Our prayers go out to the family at this difficult time. May your special memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. You have all blessed our lives over the years and know that the Lord will hold you in His hands during this time. Love, George & Holly Golen and family, Heather, Tim, Courtney and Mackenzie.
Deepest sympathy and condolences. Your mom was a class act and quite a lady. Grew up a half block away from the Botkin family, and always thought well of you all. Sincerely and God bless, Hugh Smith
Jan, Jean, Julie, Paul and all the grand kids, cousins, and extended family. Please accept my deepest sympathies for the passing of Lynn.. She will be missed by so many, in so many different ways. My thoughts are with you all. Brian
I did not see much of either Mick or Lynn, but I will always remember the round of golf we played when I lived in Lander, WY. I know God is very proud of you!
How lucky heaven is to be welcomeing home another angel. Lynn was such a happy beautiful lady. Her & Mick were so cute together. I will miss your smile & wonderful voice dear lady! God bless you on your journey home. Love & prayers to your lovely family. Condolences from our family to yours. Bob & Terri Frausto
Sorry we can't be there, but know that our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Kent, Sandy and family
Paul, so very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Enjoy celebrating her life with your family and know that she is wrapped with love in the arms of Jesus. This is a beautiful obituary and I'm sure she is experiencing a wonderful welcome Love, Dawn Marchant
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
She was such a happy lady with a contagious smile. I loved seeing her and Mick on the dance floor. This is truly a celebration of a life well lived!