Ishpeming — Linda J. Hill, age 68, died after a short battle with cancer on December 6th, 2015.

Linda Joyce Hill was born April 8, 1947 to David and Lydia Sexton. Her parents owned and ran the Hillbilly Restaurant, later Sexton's Restaurant, in Negaunee for many years where she worked. She graduated from Negaunee High School in 1965 and attended Northern Michigan University. In 1969 she met Bruce T Hill when he returned from Vietnam. They had a whirlwind romance, married and had their first child Teresa in 1970. Their son Richard, named after her older brother Richard (Dickie) Sexton who died tragically, was born in 1971. In 1978 the family road tripped to California and came back with a surprise souvenir--Melissa Hill born in 1979. Linda stayed at home raising children and taking care of her mother until she died in 1989. She returned to college and finished the degree she had begun in the 60s and received her bachelor's degree in History in 1997. She worked various jobs throughout her life most of which involved taking care of people. Her main and most important job was taking care of family and friends. For her last two months she was cared for and surrounded by her loving family at all times.

For many years Linda lived on the 40 acres she and Bruce purchased on Kivela Road, raising children and picking blueberries. Throughout her life she looked forward to a good nap and reading a good mystery book. She loved crafts—she was known for sewing her children and grandchildren elaborate Halloween costumes and in the last several years begun constructing dollhouses. In the last decade she loved searching out and adding to her teddy bear collection.

Linda will be lovingly remembered for her devotion to her family. Even though she and Bruce divorced they put their children and grandchildren first. She was there whenever she was needed and spent the last part of her life helping raise her grandchildren who were the greatest joy of her life.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents David H. Sexton and Lydia W. Sexton and her brother Richard (Dickie) Sexton.

She is survived by her daughter Teresa Hill (Jay Shoaps) of Duluth, MN, her son Richard Hill of Negaunee, her daughter Melissa Hill (Jeremy Forbes) of Ishpeming, her 9 grandchildren — Ellyn Crane, Harrison Crane, Isabella Hill, Maya Hill (daughter of Cecily Milkie), Finn Shoaps, Carter Shoaps, Malcolm Forbes, Una Shoaps, Zelda Shoaps and her former husband but best friend Bruce T. Hill.

A service of remembrance will be held Thursday, December 10, 2015 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming at 6pm. Family will be greeting friends and relatives before the service from 4-6. The service will be informal and people may share their memories and stories of Linda. Linda was never fancy so informal attire is requested. If you have a Winnie the Pooh, Minnie Mouse or teddy bear sweatshirt please wear it! After the service there will be food at the Masonic Lodge, 416 Teal Lake Avenue, Negaunee after the service.

Linda's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.