Lynett was born on August 9, 1946, in Nampa, Idaho, to Dixie and Henry Winston. As the middle child between two older sisters, Sheila Kirkman and Norene Thorne, and two younger brothers, Charles Winston and John Winston, she learned early the importance of family, love, and togetherness—values she carried with her throughout her life.

She grew up in Nampa, Idaho, and graduated from Nampa High School. Following graduation, she attended one year at Brigham Young University before moving and spending a year in New York City living with Lee and Darlene Tobler, where she helped care for their children. Upon returning to Idaho, Lynett attended Ricks College, earning her associate degree, and then moved back to Provo, Utah. She attended one additional year at BYU before starting her family.

While attending Ricks College, she began dating Craig Thurgood. Their courtship led to a temple marriage in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple, and together they shared 57 devoted years of marriage. Together they built a home filled with faith, laughter, service, and love.

In their early married years, Lynett and Craig enjoyed camping, attending family reunions, and traveling across the United States with their children. In later years, they were blessed to explore many countries around the world together.

Lynett was a gifted seamstress and poured her talents into blessing her family. She made many dresses for her daughters as they grew up, as well as countless dance costumes for their performances. She enjoyed scrapbooking and crafting, and she created numerous Halloween costumes that have been worn and re-worn by grandchildren and great-grandchildren alike. One of her most treasured traditions was making elaborate felt Christmas stockings personalized for each of her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren—keepsakes that will be treasured for generations.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lynett dedicated many years to serving others. Whether in the Primary, Relief Society, as a ward librarian, or in the Cub Scout program, she gave generously of her time and her heart. She encouraged and supported many young men—including her sons and grandsons—as they worked to earn their Eagle Scout awards. Lynett and Craig were also blessed to serve a mission in Leipzig, Germany, working with young adults where they formed lasting bonds and witnessed lives changed through faith. During their mission, they witnessed one young adult convert, from Leipzig, receive a mission call to serve in their hometown of Nampa, Idaho.

Lynett’s greatest joy and most cherished role was that of wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Craig; her six children: Kim Smith (Darren) of Blackfoot, Idaho, Melinda Johnson (Wade) of Clinton, Utah, Karena Neff (Marcus) of Blackfoot, Idaho, Michael Thurgood of Hines, Minnesota, Byron Thurgood (Emree) of Blackfoot, Idaho, and Krista Bernard (Dave) of Sandy, Utah; 22 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; her sisters and brothers; and a wide circle of dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Blackfoot Stake Center, 1650 Highland Drive, Blackfoot, Idaho. A viewing will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Blackfoot Idaho Veterans Cemetery.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and ward members who have surrounded them with love and support. Special thanks are given to the nurses of Blackfoot Aspen Hospice for their tender and compassionate care in Lynett’s final days.