Linda Say

Linda Linny L. Say, beloved wife, sister, and friend passed into the loving arms of Our Lord July 24, 2017. Please join us in celebrating a life well lived!The memorial service will be Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel with burial of ashes to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Linda was born May 1, 1951 which made Linny a May Day special from the very beginning. Many of her childhood enjoyments carried through into adulthood. Including piano, voice, swimming (many laps and miles at the Peak), and animals (multiple daily dog walks). She graduated from CM Russell High School in 1969 and from the Great Falls Commercial College shortly thereafter. After Dads debilitating heart attack and Moms return to work, she raised her sister Sandy through her teenage years and on into adulthood. If it wasnt for my sister Linny, I wouldnt be here today!She married her lifelong soul mate, partner, friend, and companion Russell K. Say in the peaceful Limestone Canyon Mountains on August 21, 1976. Together they built a beautiful log home there in the canyon, which they shared with family and friends on many deliciously fun holidays, birthdays, and get-togethers. Theyve had many adventures together, trips to the Panama Canal, Caribbean cruises, a cross-country camping trip to Alaska, river float trips, and regular camping and hiking excursions. Wherever they camped you would always see Linny cleaning up trash and recyclables to haul back to town for proper disposal.During her long career as a secretary and bookkeeper she worked at Pacific Hide & Fur, Central Bank of Montana, and City Lights. As a determined businesswoman, she successfully owned and operated the gift shop at the Raynesford truck stop (and they said it couldnt be doneha!). She also worked at the Peak Health & Wellness Center service desk and juice bar.As a talented and accomplished pianist, she accompanied childrens theatres and music festivals and played at The Lodge, Early Risers, and Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute. Many of you have been blessed to receive a piece of her gorgeous stained glass artwork.With her generous heart she was a caregiver to our mom Eleanor Mares; grandma Lydia Delger; and Aunt Delores D Perry. She volunteered many, many hours to serve on the board for the Deacon Ridge Condo Association, annual lighting of the lights for the Great Falls Community Beautification Association, and St. Anns Soup Kitchen. Linny has donated her corneas so that two blind recipients might one day be able to see.Linny is survived by her husband, Russell; sister Sandy Jo Mares; stepson Michael; stepdaughter Kristine; brothers-in-law Ken (Val) Say and Doug (Donna Anderson) Say; sister-in-law Kathy (Jim) Henkel; uncles Ray (Claudette) Delger and Roy (Maria) Delger; extended family Olivia Funk, Connie (Milo) Lund, and Jim (Peggy) Funk in Minnesota, Mary (Ken) Davis and families in West Yellowstone; numerous cousins; and many, many friends and supporters.She was preceded in death by her mom and dad, Joseph Joe and Eleanor Blondie Mares; grandparents; Aunt Delores D Perry; close friends throughout the years; and her most faithful dog, Shadow.Linny fought a brave and valiant fight with her cancer and her family wishes to thank the kind and caring staff at Benefis 6th floor Oncology Dept., Dr. Bryan Martin, Dr. Nancy Patterson, and her many friends, supporters, therapists, and caregivers. God Bless you all!Memorials are suggested to the Poor Clares of Montana; Great Falls Animal Shelter; or a charity of the donors choice.When you see a yellow rose, a yellow daffodil, a yellow or blue butterfly, a rainbow, the brightest star up in the skythink of me and smile for I am there and I am free!