Linda Joann (Lee) Tilley

Linda Joanne Tilley (nee Lee) - A Life Well Lived

Linda Joann Tilley (nee Lee), age 70 passed away peacefully on March 11th, 2025, at Avera Heart Hospital. Her devoted husband, Tom, was at her side.

Service arrangements and a celebration of her life will be arranged at a later date.

Linda was born on August 22nd, 1954, to Robert (Bob) and Jean Lee in Lake Preston, South Dakota. Raised on the family farm just south of Arlington, South Dakota, she graduated from Arlington High School in 1972.

After high school, Linda worked as a secretary in Watertown briefly before moving to Fort Collins, Colorado, for work. It was in Fort Collins where Linda met the love of her life, Thomas A. Tilley. They were married in Arlington at Trinity Lutheran Church on August 30, 1980.

After many years in Colorado, Linda and Tom moved back to the homestead to be near and able to help her mother Jean with the farm after her father Bob’s passing. Linda battled cancer 4 times. Throughout all this, she managed to live life to the fullest. Linda loved golfing, playing cards and games with family and friends, and embroidering and crocheting for her niece, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was just learning to play bridge. Linda was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Red Hats, and she enjoyed their activities and outings.

Linda was preceded in death by her sister, Dianna, her father, Bob, and her mother, Jean.

Survivors include her husband, Tom of Arlington, South Dakota; brothers: James Lee (Jeanette) of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Dave Lee (Karen) of Watertown, WI; her sister, Lynette Schultz (Thomas) of Glasgow, MT 5 nephews, 1 niece and several great nephews and nieces.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel Arlington, Lake Preston and Oldham.

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