Linda J. Reed, age 74, of Helena

Surrounded by her family, Linda Jean Reed, age 74, of Helena Montana went to be with our Lord on March 23^rd, 2018.

Linda was born in Helena Montana on April 23^rd, 1943 to Clifford and Lucy “Dolly” (Miller) Lamping.  Linda grew up in the Helena area, graduating from Helena High School.  Linda had several passions in life, most notably her faith, camping, fishing and bowling.

Summers were usually spent camped out at Cave Gulch at Canyon Ferry Lake and later below Canyon Ferry Dam, where she chased after rainbow trout, brown trout and salmon.   Linda pursued her favorite fish – Largemouth Bass – all over the northwestern part of the state, usually teaming up with her brothers on camping trips to bass-filled lakes.  Lake Mary Ronan was one of her favorite destinations and many happy memories were created from large family trips there.

Linda was quite the accomplished bowler, having held the women’s city high series record for several years. Linda also greatly enjoyed bowling in the Helena Women’s Classic league at Capital City Bowl for many years, where she had many friends among the lady bowlers.  Her passion for bowling carried over to her children, who all enjoyed some success on the lanes.

Many cherished memories were also created from family get-togethers and cook-outs at the Lamping family cabin at East Fork of McClellan Creek in the Elkhorns.

Linda met Howard Reed from Bozeman in the early 70’s, and they established a home in East Helena where they started a family together. Linda spent 25 years at the home, hosting many holiday family gatherings and bible studies over the years.

Linda had a heart for helping and serving others. She was a dispatcher for the Helena Police Department in the early 70’s.  After meeting Howard, she became a homemaker for several years before resuming her career as a fingerprint specialist for Federal and State Law Enforcement.  She also spent time working for Shodair Hospital for children, coordinating several fund raisers and other events to help the kids there.

Away from work, Linda was always trying to help her own kids solve any problem they were dealing with by providing ideas or anything else she could share to help. Linda was always available to her family, whether it be taking care of her grandchildren, watching the pets, horses, or even remodeling or house sitting.

Linda was blessed with a loving church family, and one of her biggest joys was helping with the kids and being involved in Fortress of Joy Church. Linda shared her faith and led many to the Lord.  While she would say she was blessed to be part of Fortress of Joy Church, those who knew her would say they were blessed having known her.

Linda was a loving Sister, Mother, Aunt, Grammie and Great Gramma.

Linda is preceded in death by her father Cliff, mother “Dolly”, brother Tom, and sister Mary. As well as her husband Howard, who passed in 1977.

She leaves behind brothers (Pastor) Jerry (Kathy) Lamping, Phil (Terry) Lamping, sister Lois (Doug) Collins, and brother-in-law Jack Shamley – all of whom she was very close to.   She’ll be deeply missed by sons Mike (Dottie) Reed and Howard (Kristi) Reed, and daughter Jeri (Mike McMillan) Reed along with grandchildren Dan Reed, Aimee (Shane) Stuermer, Andy Weimer and Kaselin (Larry) Garrett-Hancock and great grandchildren Ella Jae (Andy), Pierce, Garrett and Gracelin (Kaselin).   Linda also leaves several close nieces and nephews.

Linda will also be greatly missed by a very dear friend and roommate for the past 21 years – Dianne Gates – as well as her favorite Aunt, who is more like a sister, Auntie Fee.

Linda’s life will be celebrated Friday, March 30^th at 11:00 AM at Fortress of Joy Church, 720 Faw Road, Helena.  Burial will take place at St. Ann’s cemetery just east of East Helena immediately following the service.  Everyone is invited back to Fortress of Joy Church for a reception.

Linda’s children would like to thank the staff at St. Peter’s Health for the tender care of our dear Mother.

Service Schedule

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Friday March 30, 2018

Fortress of Joy Church

720 Faw Rd.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Burial

Following the Funeral Service

Friday March 30, 2018

St. Ann's Cemetery

East Helena, Montana 59635

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Reception

Following the Burial

Friday March 30, 2018

Fortress of Joy

720 Faw Road

Helena, Montana 59602

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