Linda M. Skibsrud, 57

Linda M. Skibsrud, 57, passed away at home Sept. 22, 2005, following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Linda was born May 28, 1948, in Anaconda. She graduated from Powell County High School in 1966 and went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from the University of Montana in 1970.

She married H. Peter Skibsrud on Sept. 20, 1969. They moved to Salt Lake City, and she began her life's passion for children as an elementary teacher.

In 1973, the family moved to Kalispell. Her three sons, Josh, Gabe and Boone, were the joys and priorities of her life. She was a second mom to many kids for whom she cared during her career as a day care provider. She had a deep love for all living things, and her hobbies included gardening, flowers, feeding the birds, and giving advice.

She is survived by her parents, Henry and Gloria Schiele, of Deer Lodge; husband, H. Peter, and sons, Gabriel and Boone, all of Kalispell; sister, Melody Hill, and her husband, Ken, of Goldendale, Wash.; and brother, Randy Schiele, and his wife, Leslie, of Big Timber.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Pam, and her son, Josh.

A memorial service for Linda will be held at 11 a.m. today, Tuesday, Sept. 27, at Risen Christ Parish in Evergreen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be directed toward Kidsport of Kalispell.

Johnson Mortuary is caring for Linda's family.