Leah A. Skinner

Twin Falls, Idaho - Leah A. Skinner returned to her heavenly home Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, after a sudden illness.
She was born Dec. 18, 1946, in Norwich, Conn., the firstborn of Robert and Nettie Ratto. As an infant, she moved to Pocatello where she graduated from Highland High School. She married Roger Maschek on Aug. 17, 1965; they were later divorced. They made their home in San Diego, Calif., after he returned from Vietnam. Later they made their home in Twin Falls. She married Tom Skinner on Dec. 30, 1988. They made their home in Twin Falls and on a farm near Hollister.
Leah loved boys and Scouting. Throughout her life, she served as a Cub Scout and Scout leader. She completed Wood Badge in 1980, going to camp with her Uncle Norman and grandfather, Nephi Carlsen. She loved arts and crafts, operating her own business on Main Street for more than 20 years. She was an active supporter of civic and religious-based youth groups as well as providing a home away from home for anyone that wanted to work on crafts.
She was an active member of the LDS Church, serving in all auxiliaries as a Scout leader, Relief Society worker, Primary teacher and, most recently, as a Young Women’s leader. She loved going to the temple, and her excitement at the building of the Twin Falls Temple was hard to contain. She was proud of her “boys” and taught them to serve their community, their nation and their God. She delighted in spending time with her grandchildren; telling stories, playing games, hiking, painting and visiting them in all parts of the country and world. She loved living on the farm and working in her flower beds and garden and being around the animals.
She is survived by her husband, E. Thomas Skinner of Twin Falls; her sisters and brothers, Phyliss (Bruce) Weaver of Twin Falls, Robert (Norma) Ratto of Gooding, Cheri (Mike) Powell of Boise, Joseph (Julie) Ratto of Hansen and Steven (Barbara) Ratto of Portland, Ore.; also her children, CW4 (ret) R. Alan (Susan) Maschek of St. George, Utah, Pastor Kyle (Bobbie) Maschek of Nampa, Spencer Maschek and Steven (Emily) Maschek of Twin Falls, 1SG Scott (Mary) Maschek of Killeen, Texas, Jared (Au) Maschek of Tague, South Korea, SSG (ret) Anthony (Angela) Maschek of New York, N.Y., Stuart (Cindy) Skinner of Twin Falls, Jeff (Charlene) Skinner of Twin Falls, Cheri Skinner of Salt Lake City, Utah, Julie (SSG Leland) Belin of Twin Falls and James Skinner of Los Angeles, Calif. She had enjoyed 29 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and innumerable nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by two nieces and, appropriately, her parents.
A viewing for family and friends will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at White Mortuary “Chapel by the Park.” The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at the LDS Church, 680 Hankins Road N. in Twin Falls, and is under the direction of Lance Cox and staff.