Carmen Leslie VanZante

Carmen Leslie VanZante, 68, of Twin Falls, passed away July 18, 2014 at the Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls. She was born on August 28, 1945 in Twin Falls, Idaho, the daughter of Duane and Leona Hankins. She graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1963 and went on to attend Juan's Beauty School. Carmen worked for LRJ Custom Farming for many years as a book keeper. She enjoyed painting, lived for her dogs and loved her family. Carmen spent the years after her father died living and caring for her mother. She shared her painting talents with many both in teaching others to paint and giving away her works. She had a bubbly spirit that warmed the room when she entered. She was an evolutionist who would argue her point vigorously with anyone who would engage with her in this type of conversation. Carmen had a love for her dogs, many in the family often felt that the dogs actually came first in her life. Surviving are her son Russ Wheeler of Twin Falls, brothers - Mike Hankins of Twin Falls, Dick Hankins of Sparks, Nevada, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and her loving dogs Muppet and Prissy. She was preceded in death by her husband John VanZante, and her parents and one niece Emily Hankins. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2014 at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Rd. in Twin Falls at 3:00 P.M.