Linda Deiss, age 81, of Rapid City, formally of White River, passed away on July 31, 2017 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, August 5, 2017 at the White River Event Center in White River. Burial will follow at the White River Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-7:30 PM Friday, August 4, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in White River.

Linda Olea Deiss, age 81, was born May 3, 1936, to Eugene and Linnet Hutchinson of White River, SD.  Born in Murdo, SD, Linda was the youngest of six.  Raised on the family ranch northeast of White River, Linda enjoyed horseback riding, playing with her siblings, fishing, and lazy summer days swimming in the river.  Linda attended White River High School participating in choir, band, and cheerleading.

In 8th grade, Linda met the love of her life, Harold Deiss.  Harold gave her a promise ring in the 8th grade and they married June 26, 1955.  Newly married, they worked for Haldon Amber and Lawrence Krogman eventually moving to the family ranch south of Cedar Butte.  White River was always home to Harold and Linda where they raised their four children:  Cliff, Jimmy, Carol, and Janet.  Receiving her teaching certificate from Black Hills Teachers College, Linda taught one year at the Ring Thunder Country School.   In 1970, Harold and Linda moved to town where Linda was employed as a secretary at WRHS and later with her brother, Larry, at Hutchinson Insurance Agency.  Linda enjoyed helping Harold with their family business (Harold Deiss Ditching) until he passed away in 2002.

Harold and Linda enjoyed attending any activities their children participated in, lending their support for  athletic events and musical performances.  As grandparents, they delighted in watching their grandchildren and great grandchildren at baseball and soccer tournaments, violin and piano concerts, and 4-H livestock events.  Summers at Grandpa Harold and Grandma Linda's were much anticipated.  Fishing at local stock dams, fried chicken from the Drive-Inn, and ice cream and penny candy at Ranchland Drug are memories that are fondly cherished.

Linda loved White River and was a vital member of the community participating in many clubs and activities.  She was a member of the White River United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women,  Riverview Extension Club, Cottonwood Ladies Aide, Sewing Club, Red Hat Society, Eastern Star, and the Lion's Club.  If there was an event in White River, you would most likely see Linda there serving her community.

Linda had a passion for music, learned how to play the piano and accordion from her father, was a pianist for the United Methodist Church and was often called upon for her accompanying skills.  She will also be remembered for her home-made suckers often seen at ball games, church bazaars, and special holidays.

After an illness in 2015, Linda moved to Rapid City to be closer to her family.  Linda quickly made fast friends participating in afternoon coffees and gatherings, Bible studies, and exercise programs.  She will be missed by her Fountain Springs friends.

Linda met her Savior on July 31, 2017, at 3:29 p.m. surrounded by her children:  Cliff, Carol, Janet, and her granddaughter, Tabitha.  Those who will remember her forever and are grateful for memories shared are her children:  Cliff (Kathy) Deiss of Gillette, WY, Carol (Monty) Robinson of Chandler, AZ, and Janet (Phil) Jensen of Rapid City, SD.  Grandchildren include Brandi (Colin) Usher, Darci (Marty) Edwards, Kristina (Nick) Tyler, Michaela (Nate) Cina, Weston Steiger, Jennie (Joey) Craft, Matt (Ashley) Robinson, Lisa (Dusty) Snyders, Mike (Kelsey) Robinson, Amy (Chris) Steffen, James Jensen, Faith Jensen, and Tabitha Deiss-Jensen.  She was also Grandma to Monique Moran.  Linda's legacy includes 16 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  She will be sorely missed by her brothers Larry Hutchinson, Roger (Betsey) Hutchinson, and sister-in-law, Rose Mary Deiss.   Moments before passing, Linda was anticipating her reunion with loved ones who had gone before including her husband, Harold; son, Jimmy; parents, Eugene and Linnet Hutchinson; siblings, Eugene, Jr., Glenn (Buddy), and Mary Krogman.

When leaving after a visit, family would anticipate receiving a "Grandma wave" as Mom would stand outside her door wishing us good-bye until we were out of sight.  Today we wave good-bye to you, Grandma Linda.   We love you.