Lynnette Baum
October 05, 1953 - September 09, 2015
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Lynnette Baum
October 05, 1953 - September 09, 2015
Obituary
On October 5, 1953, in La Grande, Oregon, a baby girl was born, trailing clouds of glory from heaven as the poet Wordsworth would say. She was the second daughter, an alert blue-eyed beauty, for Richard Kenneth and Elaine Turner Baum. They named her Lynnette and everyone in their family rejoiced at her arrival. As time went on, Lynnette grew in stature and understanding. She had a bright, curious mind, an energetic body, and a kind heart. Lynnette’s whole face lit up when she smiled and she grew to love so many things: mountains and beaches, all kinds of people, horses-any animal, really-nature, music, books, and above all, her Heavenly Father. Once her testimony formed, Lynnette shared it often: telling anyone who would listen that she was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, that the Savior lived and the restored gospel was true. She was faithful to her beliefs throughout her life and served in many positions within the church.
In the early eighties, Lynnette found her niche in radio, as a production manager at KFAM-Utah, writing and producing radio spots, and also doing voice-over work in advertising. She developed her craft and won many accolades during her career. To share just a few: The Golden Microphone Awards and The Silver Microphone Awards-multiple times each, The Benson Awards in 1985, The Odyssey House Excellence in Reporting Award. Her talents were many and covered a vast spectrum of interests. Lynnette was truly a Renaissance woman. She loved English Hunt/Jump horseback riding; loved to fish, write, paint, sing, and dance. Audiences enjoyed seeing her perform in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat as the Narrator, in the chorus of I, Pagliacci with the Utah Opera Company, and college productions of Toyland, She Loves Me, and Hot Tix. Lynnette recorded LDS church manuals for the blind and was featured in several missionary training films.
With courage and determination she followed her dreams to California where she taught and perfume voice overs. She both wrote and voiced a children’s video entitled “Wild Babies of Yellowstone.” She also worked as marketing director for companies such as YOR Health and the Laguna Arts Festival. She was an artist and a performer. She shared her rich voice in many church productions expecially notable as the adult Mary in “Savior of the World.” Her greatest gift and love, however, was writing. She produced poems, music, screen plays and short stories. She was awarded two honorable mentions for her short stories in fantasy. As a freelance writer Lynnette also edited other’s works as well as ghost writing for them. She was Pres. Emeritus of the Southern California Writers Association where her goal was to “empower authors to discover their unique voice and honor their vision throughout the writing process.”
Lynnette was a devout daughter of God who lived her faith and touched the lives of all she met with her devotion to Jesus Christ and her friendship. She had great insights and understanding of gospel principles and was an inspired teacher. She was a hero to many for her ability to handle the challenges and vicissitudes that came her way with patient endurance and confidence in the plan the Lord has for all of his children. She has left us too young but with deep memories of love, laughter and joy.
Lynnette endured many months of pain and illness before passing away on September 9, 2015 in Santa Ana, California. Just sixty-two, she left behind her mother, Elaine Baum, her sisters LeRae Archibald, Karen Bateman, Roxy Haynie, and two brothers, Rick Baum and Steven Baum. In addition, there are many other broken hearts at this time, those friends who stuck with Lynnette through the years and served her so unselfishly at the end of her life. Thank you, Jeanette and Susan. You are both angels.
A memorial service will be held for Lynnette on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, at the Irvine Stake Center in Irvine, California. Her funeral will then follow on Friday, September 18, 2015 at the Loveland Funeral Chapel in La Grande, Oregon. Our beloved Nette will join her father, sister, grandparents, aunts and uncles, when she is buried at Hillcrest Cemetery later that afternoon.
Lynnette put her heart into everything she did and had a passion for making others happy. If success can be measured by charity, loyalty, and the desire to give and receive love, then this special lady succeeded beyond measure. Goodnight, beautiful, blue-eyed dreamer. God be with us all until we meet again.
15 responses to Lynnette Baum
Brenda Lassiter says:
September 15, 2015
Lynette knew how to be a friend and she had many. She was kind and thoughtful and had the ability to make you laugh even in times of sorrow. She was an inspiration.
Brooke Cazier says:
September 15, 2015
Lynette was unlike any other! She had such a care and compassion in her voice – you couldn’t help but feel loved by her and by the Savior! She had such a radiating smile and voice that even when she was so sick – she made you feel calm when it should have been the other way around. She will be missed greatly here in Irvine! Thank you Lynette for your love and sweet example!!
Craig Talbot says:
September 15, 2015
Oh, Lynnette!!! Words can never capture your life … and yet … you used words so masterfully and powerfully throughout your life! Your glow, your sparkle, your child-like enthusiasm, your imagination, your compassion, your power to love, your guts to pursue your dreams whether or not they seemed practical to others, your unwavering friendship to those you loved no matter how many decades passed, your trust, your dedication … and finally, your endurance! I only wish now that I had been better at exposing my children to your marvelous vision of life so they would have your spirit to live on in them the way it will live on in so many many many many others!
I’m certain shortly after greeting your Savior with the hugest hug you’ve ever given, then your own relatives … I know you have greeted sweet Leslie and the two of you are laughing and sparkling … and planning your mission activities already! I know you have an eternity of dreams left to bring to reality — and there is nothing left to hold you back!
You were one of the first true friends I developed back in my singles ward days. You were one of my true allies during a tenuous and trying period in my life and you always brought trust, energy, and a reliance on the Savior along with the fun!! I’ll never forget what you’ve meant to me here on earth … and I’m looking forward to our next hug on the other side of the veil.
Love you always … Your Friend forever!! Craigor
Glenn and Bonnie Patchell says:
September 15, 2015
My wife and I have know Lynette since at least 1986. As bishop of the Singles Ward in the Irvine California Stake, I was Lynnette’s bishop for over seven years. We were delighted several years ago to find ourselves in the same ward. Lynnette was a viable, involved, and dedicated member of the Irvine Seventh Singles Ward. She was a lovely young woman with a gregarious personality. She was always friendly and warm and willing to share her considerable talents. She had a wonderful singing voice and often sang in groups, choirs, and even did solo work. I remember a talent program we held as an activity in the ward, and Lynnette fronted a ward jazz band as the featured soloist. She was a remarkable performer. Lynnette was always involved in the many social activities of the singles ward providing wonderful opportunities for brothers and sisters to socialize and friendship. Both Bonnie and I marveled at the strong testimony of this wonderful sister.
After my release as bishop, we continued to connect with Lynnette through musical programs and stake choirs. Always she would seek us out to visit and recall our shared experiences. When we became members of the same ward, Bonnie became Lynnette’s visiting teacher. Often I would drive Bonnie over to see Lynnette for a visit, and we would help her with some chores. She was always so grateful for the smallest service and help. When she started having severe health problems, we found that she was very fond of strawberries, raspberries, and chicken vegetable soup. So we tried to provide her with the soup and berries whenever we could.
One of Lynnette’s passions and talents was her writing ability. She was very fond of fantasy and science fiction. Since I am also a writer and an English teacher, Lynnette asked if I would read and comment on one of her award winning stories. I was happy to do so, and I can attest to her writing talent. She was extremely gifted in creating setting and a fantasy world that was vivid to the reader. I only wish she had the opportunity to finish and publish her work because it was worthy of a readership.
Bonnie recalls a visit she made on Lynnette’s last birthday. While she was there, Lynnette’s mother called her on the phone. It was heartwarming to see the delight she had in that simple birthday conversation. In fact, Lynnette took great joy in life, and although she battled severe health problems the whole time we knew her, she was always cheerful and positive in her outlook. Much of her courage and positive life outlook was based in her strong belief in the Gospel and her complete faith in the Savior.
Lynnette was a beautiful soul; she was a good, caring person without guile, always willing to share of her time, talent, and testimony. She was one of God’s good souls. I am sure we will meet again, and we will see her beautiful, warm smile.
Love,
Bishop Glenn and Bonnie Patchell
Jean Lee says:
September 15, 2015
She has a beautiful voice. She sang in church musicals & read about Christ’s birth during our Christmas presentation. I know she is singing and telling stories in heaven. 🙂