Linda Kurtz

Linda Nyoka Kurtz, mother, aunt, grandmother, wife, friend and so much more died on Monday, September 7th, 2020 at age 77.

In her life, she accomplished so much more than most would have expected a self-described “poor, little, barefoot, girl from Arkansas” to accomplish. She traveled the world, in the process of fulfilling her dream of dancing at the Lido in Paris with her beloved husband of 41 years, John. She raised two kids, who, despite their best efforts managed to make it to adulthood. And she took an active role in the lives of her grandchildren, teaching them the importance of independence, as well as the art of swearing. She gave her love freely and without conditions and held a special place in her heart for too many people to count. Including dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as many others unrelated by blood, who she thought of as family.

Though she exuded both love and generosity, she was never one to let go of a good grudge. As a result, she had a few enemies, chief among them, olive oil, and any bread that wasn’t highly processed and unnaturally white. There is so much more that should be said about Linda. Like how generous she was. How she was a dancer, a bartender, and the owner an “antique,” store called The Red Barn. Three jobs that allowed to partake in two of her favorite activities, making friends with strangers and showing off a little cleavage. How she was a political savant, armed with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of seemingly every politician in the country. Or how she was an avid reader, watcher of reality TV, hunter of treasures, and giver of advice, that even when unsolicited, was usually irritatingly correct. Linda was not afraid of death. She understood that it was something we all must face and that there was no sense in shying away from it. Of course, her acceptance of death does not make losing her any easier. Nonetheless, while we, her family, grieve, we also celebrate. We celebrate the woman who cared for us, who championed us, and who pushed us to become the best people we could be. Her final weeks were spent enjoying nature and watching animals from her front porch, a glass of Pepsi to her right, a cigarette in her mouth, and a dog on her lap. To describe Linda concisely is almost impossible, but if it had to be done then it would be to say that she loved, was loved, and will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Sheridan, Wyoming Dog, and Cat Shelter, 84 E Ridge Rd, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Services will be Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at the Story Community Church at 2pm with Pastor John Constantine, with the reception location to be announced after the service.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com. Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.