January 23, 1953 – August 9, 2024
Linda Dodge was born on Jan. 23, 1953, in Laramie, Wyoming, to Harold and Gladys Dodge. The family moved to Cheyenne, then Greeley, Colorado, and after the birth of her brother, Jeff, the family moved to Walden, Colorado.
Linda was active in school functions, participated in 4-H, played the flute in the school band, sang in the school choir, helped her dad on his milk route, and later as a cashier in his grocery store. She graduated high school from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan. After graduating Linda was asked to be in a band from the United States as a flutist which then toured Japan. Linda then attended Northern Colorado University, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. Linda taught Elementary School in Saratoga, Wyoming, and in Creede, Colorado. She then joined State Farm as an insurance agent, establishing an agency in Fraser, Colorado. She met and married Ron Cooper and she and Ron built a life together centered around their house, community, and horses in Tabernash, Colorado. Linda retired from State Farm and the couple moved to Montrose, Colorado.
Linda’s life was defined by her love of animals, especially horses and dogs. Linda was happiest on the back of a horse. Dogs were her constant companions. Linda was also fond of cats.
In her parent’s later years, Linda became a caregiver and angel. She always said her mom was her best friend, and she was there for every minute of Gladys’ final chapter. Same with her dad. She devoted countless hours volunteering for hospice, having seen their gentle hand when her mom died.
Linda, we celebrate your life and know you are hanging out with your mom and dad, surrounded by your beloved horses and dogs.
Contributions in Linda’s honor can be made to Colorado Horse Rescue Network or HopeWest Hospice at the following addresses:
Colorado Horse Rescue Network
Attn. Carrie Terroux
38705 Big Springs Road
Rush, CO 80833
720-270-5197
HopeWest Hospice
Attn. Kelly Thompson
725 South 4th Street
Montrose, CO 81401
970-240-7734
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