Dee Lindsay of Rexburg, Idaho, passed away on June 26, 2025, at home of natural causes. Dee was born in Salt Lake City, Utah July 19, 1940. She was the first, last, and best child born to Henry and Donna Burton Van Leeuwen.

When Dee was two years old, her father enlisted in the Navy out of anger that his brother-in-law had been captured as a prisoner of war. World War II was in full swing. Back in SLC, Dee's mother got word that he would be shipping out of Long Beach on a certain day. They made a fervent attempt to drive down and see him before that happened, but missed him by only a few hours. They didn't actually see him for 32 months. She and her mother stayed put in Los Angeles at the home of two aunts, and the women kept the home fires burning in the absence of their patriot husbands. Having no siblings, but living in the same home with two cousins, Artie and Earl Herrick, she became like a little sister to them, and she loved them very much, as brothers, for the rest of their lives. When her dad finally returned from his service, Dee was five years old, but latched on to her daddy immediately, and they remained close throughout their lives.

Dee began at a young age to champion the underdog; and those bullied or persecuted or even unaccepted, found safety with her. These gifts were multiplied throughout her life, and she was known as one who freely gave love, appreciation, and validation or approval. She was the master of the "benefit of the doubt," and always wanted to think the best of everyone. These traits made her a friend magnet. The little family moved to the suburb of Whittier California when Dee was about fifteen. She graduated from California High School.

At 18, Dee met Don Hendricks on a blind date. He was a handsome young sailor, stationed in Long Beach, and Dee was smitten. They were married in 1959, and to their union came two daughters, Donna Suzan and Debra Jean. They divorced in 1967 which broke Dee's heart. But she demonstrated true charity and love by her forgiveness, and her caring and kindness to Don and his second family over the years.

As a single mom, Dee did what had to be done to support herself and her girls. She excelled in secretarial work, and was a skilled office worker in some form or other her entire career. Her parents were always there to lend support where needed. Dee's career was out of necessity, not professional ambition. Her daughters knew that she would far rather have been available to them in the home. Her love was very well-known to them. But she enjoyed pursuing further education, and learned medical terminology, along with skills to increase her value in the workplace.

In 1989, Dee made friends with Ron Lindsay, a neighbor and member of her ward, a single father of four: Ron Jr., Bethany, Cicely and Brady. Friendship grew and the two were married in July 1991 and sealed in the Los Angeles Temple in July 1992. Since Dee's children had both moved to Rexburg ID by then, and since Ron was an outdoorsman up for an adventure, the couple relocated to Rexburg, ID in 1993, accompanied by Ron's son Brady and Dee's mother. Dee loved Brady and became the best step-mom in the history of step-moms! She claimed all four as bonus kids, and counts them and theirs as her posterity.

Dee finished out her career at BYU-Idaho, retiring in 2010. She was a favorite among students, including several of her grandchildren, who would visit her office regularly.

Dee was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding many callings throughout her life: Young Women's camp and sports specialist, Primary worker, Relief Society President. Dee has a particular tenderness and love for Jesus Christ. Her tears flowed freely whenever she would speak or sing of Him.

Dee's family was the joy of her life. For someone who only bore two children, her 15 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren (at this writing), were deep fulfillment in the extreme! She called them the "jewels in her crown." Add to these Ron's 4 children, 16 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, and her joy was complete! Her faith and Christ-like love of others have been inspirational to her posterity. They all say, if Grandma isn't exalted, no one will be!

Dee's quick laughter and tears, her sense of humor, her generous nature, her eagerness to approve, and her spirit of gratitude will long be remembered and missed.

Dee was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her beloved cousin-brothers.
She is survived by her children Donna (Jerry) Schlegelmilch, Debby (Victor) Gonzalez, Ron Jr. (Christa) Lindsay, Bethany King, Cicely (Brent) Orchard, Brady (Keiza) Lindsay, 31 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren.

Dee would want us to mention with deepest appreciation her dear friends and caregivers for the last three years at the Homestead Assisted Living. How she loved them!! And so do we!! God bless them all!

The funeral will be held at 7:00 pm at Flamm Funeral Home on Thursday, July 3, 2025.  A viewing will be held prior to the service from 5:30 pm to 7:00 p.m.

Interment will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery  (2651 Cromwell Ln, Blackfoot, ID 83221)

Service will be broadcast at: https://my.gather.app/remember/deanne-lindsay