Linda Wilson, age 76 of East Helena

In loving memory of our mother,

Linda Croft Wilson was born on November 16, 1946, in Lovell, Wyoming. She peacefully passed away on September 2, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Linda was the youngest daughter of Winfield Scott Croft and Beth Marchant. Her siblings Kay Stevens, Ann Doerr, Ed Croft, Barb Marchant, Pat Kidgel, and Wynn Croft brought joy to her life.

Her early years in Lovell shaped her into the person she became. She attended school in Cowley, Wyoming, where she embraced her education and nurtured her love for music under the influential presence of her Aunt Glen. Linda was a cheerleader for her school and found solace in music, particularly through singing in the choir, playing the piano, and the clarinet. She excelled academically.

After graduating high school, she went to San Mateo, California, where she dedicated two years to studying music. While continuing her education at Brigham Young University, she reconnected with Richard Wilson, a friend from high school. This fortunate encounter marked the beginning of their lifelong journey together. They were married on January 27, 1968, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints in Cowley Wyoming.

Linda welcomed Richard’s daughter Julie Ann into her life, and together they brought ten more children to earth: Wendy Beth, Cole Allen, Harry Bo, Gentry Lynn, Sidney Richal, Richard Allen, Robert Ross, Natalia Marian, James Donley, and Kinsley Marie.

An important moment in Linda’s life took place on February 23, 1985, when she and her husband were sealed for eternity in the Cardston Alberta Temple. This sacred event, born out of their love for each other, their children, and their devotion to their faith, brought them comfort, knowing that their bond would endure beyond this temporary existence.

Linda drew extraordinary strength from her unwavering belief in her Heavenly Father and her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her children always knew where she stood on matters of values and beliefs, as she remained steadfast and resolute. She will forever be a guiding light for future generations.

Baking brought Linda joy, and one of her last activities was baking gingersnaps with her grandsons and granddaughter. She was the heart and soul of her family, providing love and strength to those around her.

Her loved ones hold dear the memories and values she shared. Linda will be remembered with deep affection as a beloved daughter, devoted wife, exceptional mother, and the central figure of her family’s love and devotion. We find comfort in the belief of a joyful reunion with her son James Donley, who passed away in 2017.

Linda is survived by her husband, children, thirty-five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, her sister Barbara Marchant, and her brothers Ed Croft and Wynn Croft, along with many friends. She was preceded in death by her son James Donley, her parents, her sisters Ann, Kay, Beverley, and Gloria, and her brother Pat.

There will be two services to celebrate our mother,

The first will take place in Helena Montana Thursday September 7, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Helena, Montana, 1610 E 6th Avenue. Viewing will begin at 9:30 am, followed by her Celebration of Life at 10:30 am.

We will then take her to Wyoming to be buried near her mother Saturday, September 9, 2023. The service will be at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 52 Main Street Cowley, WY. Her viewing will begin at 9:30 am, followed by a Service at 10:30 am.

Interment at the Cowley Cemetery.

Service Schedule

Viewing

9:30 a.m.

Thursday September 7, 2023

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

1610 E. 6th Ave

Helena, Montana 59601

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Funeral Service

10:30 a.m.

Thursday September 7, 2023

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

1610 E. 6th Ave

Helena, Montana 59601

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Viewing

9:30 a.m.

Saturday September 9, 2023

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

52 Main Street

Cowley, Wyoming 82420

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Funeral Service

10:30 a.m.

Saturday September 9, 2023

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

52 Main Street

Cowket, Wyoming 82420

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Interment

Following the Funeral Service

Saturday September 9, 2023

Cowley Cemetery

Cowley, Wyoming 82420

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