Linda L. Blair
May 30, 1938 - May 13, 2008
Obituary
Linda L. Blair
On May 30, 1938, a baby girl was born to Ole and Madeline Tofthagen at 8:30am on a Monday morning in Lakota, N.D. Linda was a breach baby, born at home, on the farm. While still in her mother’s womb, she took her first breath, inhaling phlegm. The doctor told her mother that her baby would not survive the night. Not accepting this, her grandmother stood vigil over her granddaughter throughout the day and night, praying for her and suctioning out phlegm from her tiny nose and throat. By the grace of God and the determination of her grandmother, Linda survived.
Linda was raised on two farms that were being managed by her mother and father. She went to school in a one room, wood school house, with a pot-bellied stove. Growing up on those farms was an adventure, filled with fond memories. One such adventure was the day Linda decided she was going to be a shepherd. Crawling under the fence, intent on herding sheep, her aspirations of being a shepherd were suddenly cut short, when from behind, she was charged by a buck, who obviously didn’t appreciate her being there, sending her sailing up into the air. Picking herself up, she turned around just in time to see the buck coming towards her again. She was off like a shot, heading for the fence, and rolling underneath to the safety of the other side, with the thought that never again would she play a shepherd.
When Linda was in first grade, she sang ‘Jolly Ole Saint Nicholas’ in the school’s Christmas program. That was to be the beginning of her singing career. In second grade, her teacher started a band of sticks, tambourines and bells. Linda played the sticks, and even learned how to tap-dance.
As a little girl, spending time with her grandmother, who held a special place in her heart, was very precious. Hearing her grandmother sing brought her great joy. She often asked her grandmother to read the bible to her. She looked forward to those stories from the bible, and would sit at her grandmother’s feet, intently absorbing the Word of God. She often spoke of her Grandmother, whom she dearly loved, and who was so influential in her life.
In her teens, Linda played the drums in the school band, was a baton twirling majorette, and sang in the school choir. She would sometimes march in local parades as a majorette; at other times playing the drums. At 17, still in the band, she played drums for local basketball games and along with other bands, performed at concerts held at their school gym. She was in drama class and performed in school plays. She received accolades for her performance in a play called ‘Here Comes Charlie.’ She also played basketball and baseball. Above all, Linda loved attending church and singing in the church choir.
Linda met Gary, her future husband, while in high school and on July 22nd, 1958 they were married. The birth of their two children, Kim & Kary, soon followed, along with the decision to leave North Dakota and move to Washington State where their third child, Kelly, was born. Motherhood was one of Linda’s greatest joys.
Dedicating her life to God, Linda was very active in the church, often giving personal testimonies and singing in the church choir. She coordinated outings, banquets, and various events. In 1983 she began singing solo for evening services and soon formed a singing group, called ‘Wings of a Dove.’ Her work for the church continued as editor for a monthly church publication she’d started. She also joined the visitation team, meeting with those in need and praying for them. There came a time, due to her health, when she was no longer able to attend church, but her love for God remained strong and enduring.
As a talented and avid crotchetier, Linda filled much of her time making beautiful doilies, afghans, and slippers which she gave as gifts to her family and friends as well as outfits & booties for her grandchildren. She enjoyed music, crafts, jigsaw puzzles, painting, gardening, and the beauty of flowers.
Though Linda battled and overcame many illnesses during her lifetime, she was also blessed with many great joys such as the birth of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her family was her life, and she was the foundation. She will always be remembered for her unending generosity and devoted spirit. Her warm and loving heart touched us all and we are forever changed.
Grandma i miss you so dearly. Grandpa was sick & passed away today just a little bit aqo, i feel like everythinq is qoinq by way too fast. seeinq him beinq ill reminded me of the way you were & made me remember seeinq you. you two are ina better place now but always in our hearts. i wish i could sit down &talk to you just one time to share my thouqhts with you & see your beautiful face aqain. althouqh as much as i wish i see you or qet siqns from you, i havent & i really wish i do. your always on my mind & will NEVER be off it. i love you with ALL my heart &miss you like no other.
please come back to me, i wishh i wishh. just one last time ! PLEASE.
mom its been a year and i will never forget the good time we had I will never forget you smiles and loving touch you will always be missed in my heart love you mom your loving daughter kelly
Oh, Kelly, you should be ashamed.
Grandma its almost been a year & i cant seem to qet it throuqh my head that you are reallly qone. avery is a year old today & i wish you were here to see how biq he is but i know your watchinq over him. i love you & miss you so very much & wishhh you were backk at home for me to come visit you everyday.
Grandma i just wanted to stop by and let you know that i havent forgot about you and nor will i ever. you are in my heart and mind every minute of my life. i wish you were here to see how much avery is growing up but i know that you are watching over him through night and day. i love you and miss you so muchhh :’
Linda was the best grandma i could ever ask for. I share my prayers with her every night and day. You are missed dearly. Rest in peach and love grandma. i love you always and will miss visiting you all the time. thanks for everything.
it was sad to see her go so soon but she was in alot of pain and now she is in a peaceful place.we send are prayers to all and god bless all.
There is so many things I could say but I just don’t know where to start. You will be dearly missed. It was an honor and a privilege to be your son. Thank you for everything Mom I have and allways will Love You.
It’s difficult to find the words to express what you’ve meant to me; to thank you for all that you’ve done for me; for the many ways you’ve lifted my spirit, just by being there. You brought me great joy in my life with your gentle understanding and unwavering love. I’ll forever remember your smile and the way your eyes would light up. Love you, Mom.
linda was the best mother law the wor ilove you forever be in my hart mother you re the heart of our home the song on our lips and the spring in our step. ilove you……..
linda was the best mother law the wor ilove you forever be in my hart mother you re the heart of our home the song on our lips and the spring in our step. ilove you……..
Linda cared & loved her Children and Grandchildren very much and I know they will miss her dearly. Larry too, as he always looked forward to her cooking and a meal once a week.
But, she is in a much better place now, joined with other Family menbers that have gone before her.
So rejoice and have a wonderful Journey Linda.
You have a very special place in my heart. Phil. 1:7
Your Sister Jeannie
WE KNOW YOU’RE IN A BETTER PLACE NOW SIS. WE’LL MISS YOU.
I will miss my mother very much she did so much for me over the years. may she reat in peace your loving daughter kelly
Linda was a great consolance to me after my wife died in a car wreck many years ago in Devils Lake, may she rest in peace.
May you rest in peace, god bless you and grant you eternal love and happiness.
Linda Blair was my grandmother not by blood but by marrage but i considered her my blood grandmother and always will remember her as the loving and caring person she is.
mom happy mothers day i miss you so much today while laying in bed i thought i heard you say my name i need you so much mom if it wasn’t for john i would have been lost but he keeps me going i love him so much
My mother is missed so much may she rest in peace
Miss you always Mom but especially during the holidays. I’m sure you are there in heaven watching over all of us. We all think of you often. Much Love, Kim
Linda would be devastated knowing what has become of her family.
A pedophile son, Kary.
An addict daughter, Kelly, who’s daughter and son are both embarrassing in their own right.
I’m glad she’s not around to see how distant and disheveled the family has become.