Linda was born in Eads, Colorado on January 11, 1949, to Clyde F. and Mildred Vesta Galbraith. She spent her early years in Kit Carson, Colorado. Her family then made the move to Delphos, Iowa when she was five years old. After arriving in Delphos, Linda started Elementary School at Delphos Elementary where she met her future sweetheart Melvin Beede.
Linda attended Delphos Elementary through part of her fifth grade year, when her family made the decision to return to Colorado. They relocated to Loveland, Colorado, where she attended Garfield Elementary for the remainder of her fifth grade year. She then attended Truscott Junior High, and then onto Loveland High School to finish her high school years. Throughout her school years Linda was active in the Letter Bearers Cheerleading Team, she was the little "L" in 'Loveland".
Following the completion of high school, Linda attended Bethel School of Nursing for one year before marrying her childhood friend and sweetheart Melvin C. Beede on August 16, 1968. The newlyweds then set out for Mesa, Arizona in a 1965 Convertible Mustang. Linda completed her education at Arizona State University earning her Bachelors of Science in Nursing. During this time Melvin taught Junior High Math at Fremont Jr. High.
Mel and Linda welcomed their first child in 1972, a son, Jerry Lee. It was at this time they decided to return to Loveland where Linda began her first nursing job at Loveland Memorial Hospital while Mel worked as an electrician. The couple then welcomed their second child, a daughter, Krista Nichol, in 1975. Linda transferred to Mckee Medical Center in 1976 where she worked until 1996.
Linda took her son Jerry to take a military test in 1990. Instead of Jerry enlisting, Linda enlisted in the Navy and Jerry moved to Missouri. Linda officially joined the reserves in 1991. During her time in the reserves Linda had multiple mobilizations including Djibouti, Ghana, Japan, London, and Villages of Alaska.
While in the reserves, Linda gained her Masters in Nursing Administration at the University of Phoenix in 1992. Linda then went on to attend the University of Wyoming and received her Nurse Practitioner License in 1996. In 1996, Linda took her first clinic position in Keenesburg, Colorado where she was the sole Nurse Practitioner for the local area. From there, Linda went to work at the VA Clinic in Fort Collins, Colorado. Upon entering active duty Linda was stationed in San Diego, California, Groton, Connecticut, and Memphis, Tennessee. Linda returned to the VA Clinic in Fort Collins, Colorado until her retirement in 2014 after 22 years of service in the navy.
During her leisure time, Linda enjoyed time with her family at Lake McConaughy camping and participating in various water sports. She also had a great love for shopping and anything to do with thrift stores or antiques. She loved showing people her favorite stores. She often referred to them as her "Gettin' Stores". Funny enough, she knew of every "Gettin' Store" around and found one each new place she traveled. Linda also took great pride and joy in her garden. She was known to always have a beautiful garden and spent many hours tending to it.
Following retirement, Linda and Mel spent many years traveling the continental US as well as abroad. Linda loved to share stories and memories about their travels. Her family loved the selfie they got at each new place she and Mel arrived at. One of their traveling highlights was flying on Air Force One from Crete to Andrews Air Force Base.
Linda is survived by her son Jerry Beede (Jenny) of Lebanon, MO and her daughter Krista Furhmann (Eric) of Berthoud, CO; her three grandchildren, Justin Beede (Courtney) of Eaton, CO, Abel Furhmann (Aly) of Denver, CO, and Makenzie Choate (Tyler) of Pleasant Hope, MO; and two step-grandchildren Bri Landreth (Eric) of Texas, and Avery Ramos of Colorado. She had the pleasure of welcoming three great grandchildren, Hudson Choate, Aspen Landreth, and Atlas Landreth. Linda is also survived by her brother Melvin Galbraith (Verlee) of Luray, VA , and her sisters Marge Coates (Keith) of Burlington, CO and Jackie Galbraith of Loveland, CO; as well as countless other family members, friends, and community members that will miss her greatly.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Linda's amazing life on Friday, June 7th, 2024 at 1pm at Resthaven Funeral Home & Memory Gardens in Fort Collins. She will then be placed to rest with Melvin. Full Military Honors will be rendered for Linda in recognition of her service to her country. A light reception and a time of fellowship and remembrance will follow. In lieu of flowers Linda and the family would ask that you consider making a donation to the cleft palate repair organization, smiletrain.org
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIOCOMPARTA
v.1.11.6