Linda Free

Linda K. Free, 75, passed away on April 14, 2017, in her home in Thermopolis, Wyo.

Linda was the first-born child of Noel F. Collins and Mildred I. Purvis. Linda was born on January 22, 1942, on Gooseberry Creek (near Worland, Wyo.) in Washakie County. In 1943 a sister, Lois, was born. Eventually the family moved to Thermopolis, where Linda attended and graduated from Hot Springs County High School. While growing up in Thermopolis, Linda, Lois, and brother Jerry were baptized and confirmed as members of the Community Federated Church. While in High School Linda was a member of the Job's Daughters.

After graduating from high school in 1960, Linda worked as a surgical nurse on the surgery team for Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital. On March 3, 1967, Linda married James "Jim" O. Davis who was originally from Thermopolis but was at the time a science teacher at the Riverton High School. Linda and Jim made their home in Riverton, Wyo. Jim died due to complications from cancer in March of 1974. While in Riverton, Linda worked as a bookkeeper and payroll clerk for Datel. On December 2, 1974, Linda married Allen Charles "Chuck" Free. They made their home in Riverton, but later moved to Atlantic City on top of South Pass. Chuck worked there at the mine for U.S. Steel. When the mine closed, Chuck was transferred to Utah, and then to Colorado where he eventually retired. They then moved to Thermopolis. Chuck died due to complications from cancer in August of 2009.

While in Thermopolis, Linda worked as the Town Clerk for East Thermopolis for 29 years, retiring in 2015. Linda was very active in the Order of Eastern Star for many years, including serving as Worthy Matron and Secretary/Treasurer. Linda also served as the Guardian for the Job's Daughters in Thermopolis. Linda was also an avid sports fan of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies.

She is survived by her brother, Jerry Collins; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; and sister, Lois Quintana.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. April 27 at the Masonic Hall, 521 Arapahoe Street, Thermopolis. Interment will be at Monument Hill Cemetery. Memorials can be given to the Order of Eastern Star. Arrangements are under the direction of Mortimore Funeral Home.