News from LINC

Empowering Independence!

Passing the torch

On August 4th Deana Louise (Asmussen) Gilchrist, 53, went from physical death into eternal life with her Savior Jesus Christ on July 17, 2021 at her home in Boise, Idaho due to complications of her Multiple Sclerosis.

Deana was born May 10, 1968 in Burns where she attended both elementary and junior high school. During her 7th grade year, her family moved to La Pine, where she attended 7th- 11th grade, returning to Burns for her senior year, graduating from Burns High School.

She was passionate about music from an early age, playing the piano, trumpet, as well as singing most of her life. Deana was also a talented basketball player in high school and college. Deana attended Western Baptist College (Corban University) in Salem, playing basketball for the Warriors and singing in many of the college’s music ministry groups.

Deana graduated from Western Baptist College in 1991 with studies in business and a degree in Psychology. It was during this time she met Matthew Gilchrist, the one she would love for the rest of her life. They married Feb. 1992 in Burns at Faith Baptist Church, remaining in Burns until 2000 where Deana worked at both Harney Counseling and Guidance, and Burns Life Care Center as an Administrator. In 2000, they moved to Boise where Deana worked at LINC as both a care coordinator and asst. administrator. During her time at LINC, she was very involved in advocating for the disabled community.

Matt and Deana attended Cole Community Church where they were involved in the music ministry, singing in the church’s choir for several years. The biggest joy in Deana’s life was spending time with Matthew, her family, and watching her nephew and nieces grow up.

Deana was diagnosed with Secondary Progressive MS around the age of 21. She endured many years of debilitating pain and physical decline, but always lived her life with grace, relying upon God for her joy and strength. Deana lived her life as a gift encouraging others through her kindness and strength, she always enjoyed spending time with the many friends who would come to visit and spend time with her.

The outpouring of love from her friends throughout her life, as well as those in the community, and from Cole Community Church was always an encouragement to her. A memorial service for Deana will be held at 11 am on August 28 at Cole Community Church in Boise. Donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in lieu of flowers or other gifts.

LINC has three offices to serve you. www.lincidaho.org

1182 Eastland Drive North
Suite C
Twin Falls ID 83301
(208) 733-1712 VOICE
(208) 733-7711 TDD

1878 West Overland Road
Boise ID 83705
(208) 336-3335 VOICE
(208) 336-3335 TDD
(208) 384-5037 FAX

703 S. Kimball Ave
Caldwell ID 83605
(208) 454-5511 VOICE
(208) 454-5511 TDD
(208) 454-5515 FAX