Linda Bethea (Brown) Carlson

Our beautiful mother, Linda Bethea Brown Carlson, returned to her heavenly home on the sweet Sabbath morning of June 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving children. While we are heartbroken to say goodbye, we are also incredibly grateful for Mom's life filled with love, kindness, raspberries, and chocolate.

Born on April 27, 1945, in Rexburg, Idaho, Mom was the first child of Ned and Wilma Brown, and the oldest of 6 children. Raised on the family farm in Plano, Mom was no stranger to hard work, and she spent many hours tending her younger siblings while her parents were farming. Her compassion for the elderly, love for others, and ability to serve without recognition all led her to a fulfilling career as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Mom married our dad, Delwin Christensen, in 1966, and together they had four children. They later divorced.

Working as an LPN at EIRMC in 1987, she met Ray Carlson, while caring for his wife, Floreine. Ray felt like he needed to thank the sweet nurse who had taken care of Floreine so tenderly and kindly. He then invited Mom and her husband to dinner. Mom told him she wasn't married but would love to go to dinner. They were happily married on October 2, 1987, in the Salt Lake Temple.

Ray took great care to help Mom receive medical attention to ease her physical suffering throughout their life together. They enjoyed each other's company and their combined family until Ray's passing in 2014.

Linda was full of love. If you were friends with us, you were friends with our mom. Her home was always open and she had a special way of making everyone feel like they truly belonged. She always had cookies on hand-especially Keebler fudge stripes, along with other treats and candy to share. It was just one of the many ways she showed her love.

Mom spent her days after Ray passed caring for her kitty, Zoey, watching old black and white movies, and enjoying many visits with family and friends. Mom loved the classics and was always sharing that love with her kids and grandkids. Though her health didn't permit her to work in the temple as she always wanted, Mom spent what time she could listening to BYU-TV and reading her scriptures. Mom's love of Christ is profound and we know she is happy to be able to return to His presence.

Mom is survived by her four children: Cori (Karrin) Christensen of Queen Creek, AZ; Audra (Nate) Peterson of Rigby, ID; Cheree (Don) Sutherland of Centerville, UT; Nicole (Ed) Speirs of Idaho Falls, ID; five stepchildren: Chareine (Jeff-dec.) Barker, Chuck (Becky) Carlson, Kevin (Linda) Carlson, Wayne (Carole) Carlson, and Kathryn (Dave) Peck; 41 grandchildren, and (to us but not to her) countless great-grandchildren who simply adored “GG.” She is also survived by her five younger siblings, Gregory, Kevin, De, Nedra, and Lorna.

Mom was preceded in death by her husband, Ray, her parents, and four great-grandchildren.

Though she will be sadly missed, we are celebrating her wonderful life and encourage all who attend the funeral to wear bright colors, specifically yellow, in honor of our sweet mom, grandma, and “GG.”

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at the Ammon West Stake Center located at 2055 Coronado Street, Idaho Falls, ID, 83404. The family will visit with friends Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, Ammon, ID 83406, and Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Plano Cemetery in North of Rexburg.

Services may be viewed here .