Linda Lee Close, a.k.a “Damma”, passed away March 5, 2011, peacefully with her family in hand at age 62. Linda was known as “Damma” because she loved all the kids she ever cared for especially her grandkids, Shaelynn and Cody Blixt. Although Damma only had two grandchildren there were numerous children that respected her as if she was their own grandmother. The list is too long but she will always be a special piece of their hearts.
Damma’s short bout with cancer was tough but her two wonderful daughters, Anita and Angela, made the last days cherishable. They joked, had dinner, and shared memories and tears. We hope a lot of you read this, laugh and share tears because this is what Damma would want. She was quite the practical joker and a very sharp lady.
Linda married William Close of Helena….twice, once in 1967 and again in 1976. They had two beautiful and caring daughters.
Anita and Angi worked everyday with Linda for the last few years at Captain Jack’s Restaurant. Linda loved this because she loved to eat. In fact her son-in-law, Kelly, fondly called her “the goat”. She loved food and not just her own because you had to protect your plate. We sometimes thought about throwing in a tin can with any meal we brought her.
Linda adored her two grandkids Shaelynn and Cody. In fact, she got personalized license plates “DAMMA” on her car because when the kids were young they called her “Damma” instead of grandma…well it stuck because everyone called her Damma after that to include kids and adult friends. That’s the way she was because she loved and cherished every moment.
Linda grew up in a large family of eleven children in North Dakota. They did not have the things that we take for granted today. The 2 bedroom farm they grew up on still has no running water or a bathroom. But Linda’s brother, Joel, tells us they recently upgraded the outhouse to a “two-seater”. All of Linda’s siblings have heart felt stories of their childhood.
Linda is survived by her two daughters Anita Close, Angela Blixt, and son-in-law Kelly Blixt. She is also survived by her two most prized possessions, Shaelynn and Cody Blixt, her grandchildren, as well as her honorary grandchildren, Jaden and Sean Hamilton, all of whom are from Helena, MT.
Linda is also survived by her many brothers and sisters. Her brothers are Lyle Hoffer (Lyla), Loren Hoffer (Anita) and Joel Hoffer (Rae) of Minot, ND. Her sisters are Sharon Hoffer of Minot, ND, Elaine Hartzell of East Helena, MT, Sandy Frantzvog (Bob) of Minot, ND, Margaret Rogers (Mike) of Minot, ND, Lynette Stensby (Rick) of Minot, ND and sister-in- law Sandy Hoffer (Jeff) of Mandan, ND.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents Arnold and Bertha Hoffer, sister Karen Bredine, brother Jeff Hoffer, nephew Robert Frantzvog Jr., and brother-in-law Boyd Hartzell.
Linda had a degree in nursing. She also owned a daycare center and most recently worked day to day with her daughters Anita and Angela at the restaurant. The practical joking was sharp when all three were together.
Linda enjoyed reading, watching talk shows, Judge Judy, gambling and she was always good for a laugh. Linda was a prominent member of machine number ten at the Montana Nugget Casino.
The family of Linda requests any memorials be sent to St. Peter’s Hospital Oncology Unit on behalf of cancer awareness, prevention and care of current and future patients in Damma’s name. The staff on the oncology floor and Dr. Weiner were truly professional and more importantly had an obvious care and love for their profession and patients. Other memorials can be sent to the family in care of Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave., Helena, MT 59601
A Celebration of Life for Linda will occur Friday March 11, 2011 at 3:00 PM, in the Banquet Room on the second floor of the Helena Regional Airport. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Linda Lee, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Amy Ahonen says
Linda was an awesome lady. In the short time that I knew her, she made me feel like family. My daughter,Sofia, went to her daycare. She was the next best thing to a grandma you could ever ask for. Since my own mother lives in Idaho, Linda was grandma to Sofia. She will be missed by many!! I am so glad that I met her and got to know her.
Cathy Barber says
So sorry to hear about your Mom, deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are sent your way.
Joel Hoffer says
Condolences
Elizabeth Weaver says
Linda was an amazing lady. She watched my sister and my daughter when her daycare was open and was a Grandma for them both. I know she will always have a special place in our hearts. I know she will be deeply missed by all.
margaret says
My deepest sympathy to the family Iam in shocked to have gotten such horrible news that once agin that horrible terrible frightening word cancer has taken a great Mother outstanding Grandmother a kind sister an outstanding friend. I needed so very much much more time your wise mind helped me so much and Iknow so many others Linda there hole in my heart where you are suppose to be Linda you will be missed more than you will ever know. my family sends the deepest sympathy and thoughts and prays Anita Angela Grand children and son in law Kelly.
Cambria Leventes says
So sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful woman. Linda did daycare for our kids Jarrett and Alex, she was amazing!! we loved her so much, she really loved all of her “kids” and always went above and beyond for them. Thoughts and Prayers with all of you during this difficult time. WE LOVE YOU LINDA!
Mike & Bernadette Lahr says
Anita and Arlene,
We were so saddened when we heard that your Mom had passed away. I didn’t know her personally, but I feel that I do know her from your stories and I know how much she meant to you. Mothers are so important and help keep us grounded and focused. So – please accept our sympathy and we hope to see you soon back at Captain Jack’s smiling in memory of your Mom. Take care, Mike and Bernadette
Jarrod O'Leary says
My sympathy to the family. I don’t know how far back Linda’s daycare went, but I was there as a little kid in the mid ’70’s. I remember it well, the house on Alta.
I saw Linda and Anita last year in the airport restaurant on a short visit. It brought back many fond memories.
My prayers are with you during this time. God Bless you all.
linda moore says
anita i just read about your mom. john and i send our love. we well miss her very much.
from john and linda moore
Joel Hoffer says
Linda has been a great sister. She was someone you could talk to about anything, and she always had the answers. She was one of the most intelligent people I have ever know. She was a giving person. When Jeff and I would go to Helena to visit, she would say to me whats mine is yours. She let me use her brand new car to drive as if it was my own. Generous in every way. I will never forget how happy she made me when she gave me a double holster cap gun when I was 8 years old. She was a great mother, grandmother, and sister. She will be missed greatly! Love Joe
sue bartole says
my prayers and thoughts are with you i am so sorry to hear about your mom
Cathy Jenkins says
Anita,
I’m so sorry. Your mom was such a gift. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May love and memories get you through this difficult time.
Brett & Hiedi Rogge says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Damma will always be remembered as another Grandma to us and our daughters. She always had the best parties for all the kids. We will miss her dearly. Love, Brett,Hiedi,Katina,& Sidda
Rick,Lynnette,Ted and Skyler Stensby says
Linda was an amazing person.
When I was 5 I remember Linda,Bill and Anita coming to the farm and having to fight a gander goose that had me down and was pecking at me. Dad shot the goose..and you can guess what was for dinner!
Whenever you and Bill came to the farm you would ask “whats for groceries”–meaning what’s for dinner.
Then you guys wanted to buy Joel and I a motorcycle; dad said no. We were so mad!
You always looked out for your little brother and sister. And you sent us stuff to!
You raised two great girls and you were so proud of them and your grandchildren.
I am proud to call you my sister.You were raised and gone while I was little but that didn’t stop us from getting closer as the years went on.
You always liked to check the cupboards and see if they were full. I’d say go ahead..and clean them to!
The last time you were home we had a great time. I could always count on you. I wish we had more time together and had lived closer to each other.
You had the qualities that I admire in the best of people. A great sister, mother and grandmother!
I love you.
Your little sister,
Lynnette Stensby.
Jeff, Barb & Gabby Strong says
Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you after losing your sister/mother/friend. Linda Lee was such a pleasure to be around with ever ready wit. She was Gabrielle’s most favoritist daycare provider as she made her feel so special. We will miss her indeed. God bless her and all of you!
Lylia says
Thoughts are with you all in this time!!! We are so glad that we got to spend the last of Linda’s days with her. Will be thinking of her and be missing her! She will always be in our hearts!
Bev. Domier says
My deepest sympathy to the family; I enjoyed so much the time when I would set next to Linda on machine # 10 at the nugget..Know how special you girls were to her and the grandchildren and her daycare children..My love and Prayers to all of the family…Bev.Domier
Sharon Heigh, Dan Kaberline, Alex Heigh says
Anita and family
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Jim & Donna Fisher and Family says
May God Bless you and watch over you during this difficult time. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you. It was always a joy to talk with Linda no maater the occassion, she was a great lady and will be missed by many!
Chris Damon says
Am very sorry to hear about your mom she will be missed
Chris
Brandee Tucker says
Angie, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. I’m sure she will be greatly missed.
sandy frantsvog says
I got the sad and schocking news about Linda on Wed nite, we immediataly decided to go see Linda,per her families phone call.1 last time.Our brother Lyle,sister inlaw Lylia and niece Nicki.Thanks guys for taking me.I am so glad I got to see her.Linda and I were 1 year apart,and we did alot of things together,some good and some not so good.Our dad had the belt ready and was not afraid to use it,had fun anyway.YES,Linda liked to eat,she proved that when we went to the royal fork buffet, then came to my house to take a little nap,and slept right through bingo,next option was the casino that did’nt work eighter that was last July when she was in Nd.we had fun though.Linda was an amazing person and told you what she thought.I will miss her phone calls,she would call other brothers and sisters,then call me back and tell me,we did gossip!! she loved her family in Mt. very much and always taled about them.Iwill miss her alot.Thanks to Anita,Angie and family for every thing while we were there. love to all guys .Thanks Kelly for pushing LYLE in the wheel chair.”( love Sandy,Bob,and all our kids and grandkyds).Minot Nd.