Linda L. Portrey

Linda L. Nitzel Portrey, 84, passed away June 22, 2026 in Nampa, Idaho. Linda was born November 3, 1941 in Emmett, Idaho to Alice Estelle (neé Jones) and George William Nitzel. Her brother, William, joined the family the following year. The siblings maintained a close relationship throughout Linda’s life.


Linda graduated from Emmett High School in 1960 and was married to Raymond L. Schmaljohn for 16 years with whom she had two daughters, Teresa and Anita. 



She worked for the Western Idaho Council on Aging where she helped establish senior centers, arrange the purchase of vans for Meals on Wheels and develop nutrition programs.



On August 11, 1979, Linda married Leonard E. Portrey. They lived in SouthBend, Washington for ten years where Leonard worked in fishing and Linda worked for the library. Together, they had many adventures that turned into family legends. They enjoyed hosting family and friends, often with every bedroom full and kids in sleeping bags in every other room of the house (including the kitchen). Linda and Leonard enjoyed being outdoors, boating, elk hunting trips, Chester’s, barbecues and fish fries.



In 1992, Linda and Leonard returned to Idaho to be near family, living in Caldwell where she worked for the Caldwell Public Library for 15 years before retiring to Nampa. 



Linda enjoyed reading, gardening, especially flowers, and spending time with her family. She adored her grandchildren. She was a member of the Lutheran Brethren Church of Nampa.



She was proceeded in death by her parents and step-son Christopher Dean Portrey.

Linda is survived by her husband, Leonard Portrey; brother, William (Carol) Nitzel; her daughters, Teresa (Paul) Schladensky and Anita (Mac) Calhoun; step-daughter, Michelle (Clint) Beers; step-son, Scott (Toni) Portrey as well as eight grandchildren and six great grandsons. 



A special thanks to the wonderful people at Journeys Hospice and Avalon Certified Family Home who filled her final days with her favorite foods, roses, an abundance of love, compassion and laughter.

 

Linda was much loved in this world and is already missed.

Graveside services for Linda will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 26, 2026 at the Emmett City Cemetery.  Services are in the care of the Potter Funeral Chapel of Emmett.

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