Linda Marie Skillern

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Marie Skillern on July 23, 2025. At the age of 78, her long journey with vascular dementia ended peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and her remarkable ability to find beauty in all things. Linda was born in Eldora, Iowa, on December 12, 1946, to Joe and Jean Schumacher. At the age of four, her family relocated, and she spent the majority of her well-lived life in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She met her high school sweetheart, John, at just 15, and they married at 21. Together, they raised their beloved daughter, Shauna, and shared 57 adventurous years of marriage. Linda’s strong work ethic and keen organizational skills helped her thrive as an Executive Secretary for a small engineering firm that grew into a major manufacturing plant. She took great pride in her 45-year career at Air-X-Limited, where she was admired for her dedication and excellence. In retirement, she found her greatest joy after moving to Colorado to become a loving and doting grandmother to her grandsons, Collin and Hudson. Linda had a gift for finding beauty in all things. As a passionate lover of the arts—she found joy in live music, ballet, theater, and movies. She also had a lifelong appreciation for fashion and was always beautifully put together. As an avid animal lover, she saw wonder in all living things—from the grace of a tiger to the colors of a fish or the charm of a stray cat (none of whom stayed stray for long). Linda’s greatest gift was how she saw people. She noticed the smallest details and found beauty in them. She gave the most heartfelt, genuine compliments that made others feel truly seen. She was an advocate for those in need, leading her to activism in politics. She was filled with gratitude for even the smallest acts of kindness—marveling after a home-cooked meal with family, a helping hand, or a really great movie. Though dementia gradually took many parts of her, it never stole her awe for life or her gratitude for its simple joys. Linda is survived by her husband, John Skillern; her daughter, Shauna Fisher (Skillern); son-in-law, David Fisher; her cherished grandsons, Collin and Hudson Fisher; and her brother, Bill Schumacher of Catoosa, OK. Her legacy of compassion, warmth, and grace lives on through them and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Rigden Farm Barn with an open-house-style memorial on August 16th from 3:00–5:30 PM. Flowers may be delivered to her daughter’s home for transport to the celebration. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Bristol Hospice, whose compassionate care was immeasurable.

Tributes

Linda Marie Skillern

December 12, 1946 - July 23, 2025