Linda Kay Riffle

Our dear Linda is happily at home in the loving arms of Jesus after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, and two bouts of cancer. Linda Lee/Weeks/Riffle was born on January 8, 1944, to Robert and Doris Lee, to join sister Shirley (Olson). The first ten years of Linda’s life were spent in Ohio, where she developed close ties to her Grandma and Grandpa Jackson, Uncle Larry and Aunt Gertie, and cousins, Carol and Jerry Jackson. In 1955, Linda moved with her parents to Colorado Springs where she was reunited with her Uncle Bob, Aunt Arlie, and her Gould cousins who had moved from Ohio a few years prior. (It was during this time frame that Linda developed a lifelong love affair with graham crackers and milk)! In 1956, Linda’s parents surprised her with baby sister, Debbie. Then two years later, she was pleased to finally have a baby brother, Larry, whose hair was the same beautiful shade of red as hers. In addition to being a “second mother” to her young siblings, Linda kept busy as an honor student, drum majorette, playing French horn and baritone in the band, singing in the church and school choirs, participating in school theatre, and was very active in Pep club and church youth group (And of course, she found time for plenty of boyfriends)! After being a member of Air Academy High School’s first graduating class, Linda attended college in Kansas as a business major. She eventually returned to Colorado Springs where she married Rev. Roger Weeks and took on the many responsibilities of being a preacher’s wife. This marriage resulted in the births of three wonderful children…Tami (Josh Fritz), Taire (Steve Thompson ), and Todd. In addition to raising children, Linda had a long career in bank management. The most lucrative part of banking for Linda came about in Oregon in 1996 when she was assigned to a project with fellow banker, David Riffle (Who just happened to be a fellow former Ohioan). They quickly fell in love, married in 1997, and enjoyed life together for 26 years. During the early years of their marriage, Linda and David felt led to open their hearts and home to providing care for foster children. They lovingly cared for 29 children over the course of 4 years and have remained in contact with some of them to this day. They also enjoyed traveling. Together they traveled throughout many states, including Hawaii. Linda was even persuaded to join daughter Taire on an adventure to Qatar where daughter, Tami, and Josh were teaching. As time progressed, and traveling became difficult for Linda, they found great contentment in staying home, enjoying the great Northwest. They settled in Newberg, Oregon, located near Linda’s three children, who along with their five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many “grand-pups” provided an abundance of activity and love. David and Linda shared a deep faith in Christ. They were active in church, Bible studies, and other related activities. Their life together was based on “Love of Christ”, “Love of one another”, and “Love of Family”. A quote from her high school yearbook described Linda quite well: “Contrary to the old saying that red heads have hot tempers, that was not the disposition of Linda Lee. Her sweet personality was one of her most admirable qualities, along with her musical talent.” That quote held true for Linda until her final breath. She was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.

Linda Kay Riffle

January 8, 1944 - October 4, 2023