Linda was born April 5, 1945 to Roy G and Margaret Hacker in Olympia, WA while her dad was away serving during WWII. Some of her very young years were in Day Creek where her dad drove log trucks and her Mom managed the Day Creek store. Her time there brought her many fond memories. Her family eventually moved to Bellingham where she remained until she graduated high school. Not long after graduating, mom met Robert “Bob” Ensley who she loved the rest of her life. They were married in 1963 until Dad’s passing in 1998. Mom never got over the loss of Dad. She simply endured it.
Mom went to work at the Skagit Valley Herald in 1980 after us girls started high school. She was there until she retired.
Mom always enjoyed gardening and when we lived on Markwood Rd, she made the most of that 1 acre with a large garden to feed everyone… horses, a cow, rabbits and a dog. Always canning, baking and providing for her family. Not to mention always chasing away the neighbors hogs that like her flower beds!
Mom had a volunteer’s heart and an old fashioned work ethic. She was active in several charities including March of Dimes, Camp Fire and our schools when we were kids. While working at the Skagit Valley Herald, she was very involved in their Christmas Fund and in later years helped Gin with the Festival of Trees.
One thing mom was always proud of was her grandchildren. She loved spending time with them.
After mom retired she enjoyed summers in Wyoming with her sister and winters at home.
Mom was diagnosed with early onset dementia just after her retirement. Shortly after her diagnosis, she moved back to the Day Creek community at the family cabin, where she attended Day Creek Chapel. She was very comfy in her little cabin on the river spending days with Bandit until her move to dementia care.
Mom passed at HomePlace where the staff all says they will miss her sass and spunk. She always thought she was one of the staff and not a resident.
Mom is survived by her daughters, Virginia and Clay Learned, of Day Creek, Teresa and Rusty Scott, of Blaine; grandchildren, Tyler (Cassie who was one of moms devoted caregivers early on) Armenta, Christopher Armenta, Christina (James) Martin, Jessie Learned and Jake Scott; 4 great-grands Kendra, Chris Jr, Grace and Barrett; her sister, Karen (Pete) Mustacich; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Carolyn and Denny Coble, Jan and Steve Massey, and their children; as well as great lifelong friends, Carol and Bob Atkins, and Tammy and Paul Force. Mom was preceded in death by her parents; Bob’s parents, Rob and Lucille Ensley; as well as brother-in-law and sister in law Charlie and Dorothy Gibbs.
A private family burial will be held at Lyman Cemetery. You are invited to join us in remembering Mom on Saturday, January 5th at 2pm at Day Creek Chapel. Following the service we will have a fabulous pot-luck, just like mom would have wanted to cook.
Mom is celebrating Christmas in heaven with dad this year. Mom would be happy she left us on a day of a “Great Big Huge” storm.
If you wish to remember mom with a donation, please consider The Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund 1215 Anderson Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 9827; The Alzheimer’s Association 225 N Michigan Ave., Fl 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation 214 S. 12th, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
