Linda Lee (Voigt) Stevens, 70
Linda Lee (Voigt) Stevens passed away Thursday, April 26, 2018, with family and friends at her side.
She was born Feb. 19, 1948, in Whitefish to Vincent and Merle Voigt. She joined older brother Michael and the family was soon completed with younger brother Steven. She attended Whitefish Schools through high school graduation, and her younger years were filled with adventure and fun as “Lee-Lee” was surrounded by her many cousins and family. Her teenage summers she spent working at the Sperry Chalet, in the place that would become one of the loves of her life, Glacier National Park.
Linda then attended the University of Montana, from which she graduated in June of 1972 with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in history. She married Gregory Stevens in September of 1971, they moved back from Missoula to Whitefish, where her daughter, Julia Amanda Stevens, was born in January of 1978. After her divorce Linda and Julie resided in Kalispell. It was there that Linda spent many years working at KOFI Radio and then with the City of Kalispell Water Department.
During these years, Linda spent much time with her beloved mother and began enjoying what became her passions — hiking, kayaking and camping in Glacier Park. Over the years she hiked thousands of miles through Glacier, tackling 20-plus mile treks with ease. Linda also started taking pictures of the natural beauty around her, and became an amazing amateur photographer. She was rarely seen without her camera hanging from her neck. She also started painting, both wall art and crafts, a hobby that would bring her joy for the rest of her years. Linda was an avid reader her entire life — her book collection rivals that of a library.
In June of 2007 Linda was overjoyed when she became a grandmother to Taylor Aubrey William, becoming known as Grandma Lady — a nickname Taylor called her since she was a toddler. Linda was an amazing grandmother, instilling her love of the outdoors, photography and painting in her granddaughter. She cherished the time spent with her.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Bill and Jen England, and William and Margaret Voigt, parents Vincent and Merle, and big brother Michael.
She is survived by loving daughter Julie Stevens, granddaughter Taylor William, and stepgranddaughter Maddison William, and younger brother Steven Voigt. Her memory will also live on in her uncle, Glenn England, cousin Cheryl Frye, and best friend of more than three decades, Vickie Poynter.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations made to the Sperry Action Fund (glacier.org); this fund is to rebuild Sperry Chalet, which was badly damaged in the forest fires last year.
A celebration of Linda’s wonderful life will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, at the Hampton Inn, 6340 U.S. 93, Whitefish, MT 59937.
Austin Funeral & Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for Linda’s family.
Condolences for the family may be submitted on Linda’s webpage at www.austinfh.com.
“The sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it’s here is up to us. Journey wisely.”