Linda L. Klippenstein

HAMILTON - Linda Louise Klippenstein, a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, sister, and daughter, passed away on July 25, 2024, at the age of 84.  Linda was born in Dexter, MO, on June 23, 1940, to Ollie Louise Hughes and John H. Hughes. The Hughes family moved to Southern California when Linda was in high school and she graduated from Temple City High School in 1958.  Linda received a Dental Assistant certificate in California and worked as a dental assistant for 30 years, spending many years with Dr. Olson in Hamilton, MT.  Linda fell in love with Gordon Steve Klippenstein in 1957.  They were married on October 19, 1958 and welcomed Brent James to the family in 1959.  Cherise Louise joined the family in 1962 and Stacy Steve followed in 1967.  They originally resided in San Diego, California, while Gordon was in the Navy and then settled in Upland, California, until 1974 when they moved to the beautiful Bitterroot Valley in Montana.  Linda loved this place.

Linda was passionate about many things, including spending time with all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She loved her dogs, especially breeds like Bassett Hounds and Golden Retrievers.  Linda displayed a gift for crafts, often decorating many of her husband’s specialty wood projects, such as lamps and shadowboxes.  After moving to Montana with her family in 1974, Linda enjoyed gardening, canning and baking.  Many who knew Linda would describe her as a loving and caring person with a warm smile and a love of family. Maudie, as she is affectionately known by her children and grandchildren, will be greatly missed.

Linda is survived by her daughter Cherise and husband Steve Bartels of Hamilton; son Stacy and wife Carrie Klippenstein of Kingman, Arizona; sister Connie Feltman of Louisiana; five granddaughters and five grandsons; eight great grandsons and three great granddaughters.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; her parents, John H. and Ollie L. Hughes; brother John Hughes; son Brent Klippenstein; granddaughter Ashley Bartels Luthje; and great grandson Liam Turner.

Services for Linda Klippenstein and her husband, Gordon, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Daly-Leach Memorial Chapel.  Private urn placement will take place at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the Bitter Root Humane Association at Bitterroothumane.org/howcanihelp/.