Linda Karen Byington

Linda Karen Maestretti Byington, age 83, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Hill House Memory Care facility in Moscow, following a courageous journey through dementia.

Karen, as her friends and family called her, was born Jan. 7, 1943, in Ely, Nev. She graduated high school in Globe, Ariz., and attended Knapp Business College in Tacoma where she learned secretarial skills.

She married Gerald Dean Brown in November of 1962. That union produced her daughter and two sons. They were later divorced. She then married Farrell G. Byington in June of 1975, and become stepmother to three more beautiful daughters. Their marriage lasted until Farrell’s passing in November of 2023.

Karen became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in her early adulthood, and was a dedicated and faithful member. She was a joyful servant as she carried out the responsibilities of the many callings she held. She was most known for her involvement in all things musical. Whether she was directing choirs, organizing special musical numbers, acting as the organist or pianist or performing herself, her love for music and for her Heavenly Father shone through and she was an inspiration to many.

She worked as a dedicated secretary, known for her organization, attention to detail and the kindness she showed to everyone she assisted. Her last position was as the administrative assistant to the hospital administrator at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. She worked there for over 25 years until her retirement.

Karen enjoyed reading, movies, exercise and Hershey’s chocolate. Her passion for Sweet Adelines International brought her immense happiness, filling her life with song, laughter and lasting friendships. She was a member of the Inland Harmony Chorus for over 50 years, and spent many of those years as chorus director.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Barbara Rosilee Smith Maestretti and Theodore Russell Maestretti, as well as her husband, Farrell Byington. She is survived by her children Pamela Williamson (Richard), of Lawton, Okla.; Joseph Brown (Victoria), of Orlando, Fla.; Jason Brown (Sally), of Moscow; Laurie Florence (Greg), of Okotoks, Alberta, Canada; Debbie Thorington (Cary) of Kennewick; and Terri Menti (Mike), of Rathdrum, Idaho. She is also survived by two sisters and one brother: Julie McCulloch of Idaho Falls; Cherie Martin (John), of North Fort Myers, Fla.; and William Holman Maestretti of Albuquerque, N.M.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3810 16th St., Lewiston.

Our family wishes to sincerely thank the staff of Hill House Memory Center for their exceptional care, compassion and support during her time there.