In her spare time she played All-State soccer, field hockey, basketball, and softball. She completed her senior year of high school as a Rotary International exchange student in Chile. It was there her true language skills blossomed.
After graduating from Hopatcong High School in ´77 she worked various waitress jobs to build a college fund. While raising money for her college fund she was in a near fatal motorcycle accident. She moved to Utah to live her mother, Joyce. It was there she met John L. Colson, her new stepfather. Little did Linda know at the time she met John, how much she would learn from him: about unconditional love and the impact he would make on her future.
Linda attended the University of Utah, where she graduated with two Bachelor of Science Degrees and four minor degrees. She accomplished her degrees in fives years with an over all GPA of 3.68. This amazing achievement paled in comparison to her life-changing event on November 26, 1982. John introduced her to the friends of Bill W. and Alcoholic Anonymous (AA). She was on her way to Eugene, OR, to celebrate her 29th Anniversary with AA. Wherever she lived she worked with many different AA Groups and also attended some international conventions.
In the late 1980s Linda was diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis, which may have limited her physical ability but it didn´t limit her determination. She lived in Utah until 2009 when she moved to live with her "Seester", Kathy Monington, in Miles City, Montana until her untimely death on November 22, 2011.
Linda was an active member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Miles City, MT, where she served on the Board of Stewardship and the Lutheran Women´s Missionary League. She was very faithful in saving her "mites" for LWML Missions around the world.
Linda was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Marie Jamieson Colson, and stepfather, John Leslie Colson, of Salt Lake City, Utah. She is survived her father Dean Robert Docherty, of Newton, New Jersey; sister Kathleen D. Monington and her husband, Roy Monington of Miles City, Montana; brother Mark Dean Docherty and his wife Carrie of Newton New Jersey; and half-brother Jay J. Docherty, his wife Jennifer, of Lafayette, New Jersey. She is also survived by six nieces, nephews and one great nephew and four cousins.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2011, with family to receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City. Burial will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
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Linda Lee Docherty - My Beautiful Friend
In Spanish, of which Linda was fluent in five different dialects, "Linda" means beautiful. And how fitting is this for a person who felt she was anything except beautiful.
My first "encounter" with Linda Lee Docherty was in 1993 while we were taking American Sign Classes (ASL) classes together. There began our near 20-year journey of a beautiful friendship.
She was a dedicated friend to my sons and I while were going through one of the most devastating times of our lives. My oldest son Joey at the age of 11 had such a crush on Linda. Michael, who was eight years old, feared her (in some ways didn´t we all?).
My sons still talk about the one Easter with Linda. A single lady who has never had children planned on an Easter egg hunt for my sons. First, she didn´t realize she needed to "boil" the eggs before dying them. (One of the eggs wasn´t found until about a week later. I know that was a treat!) Second, she didn´t know to fill the basket with Easter grass before filling with candy. My sons never looked at baskets the same way again. Those baskets weighed a ton filled with candy and goodies. The handles almost broke. There are benefits to my having never-married friends without children.
Linda once told me, "I feel like my entire life has been a total waste because I never really made anything of myself." I quickly told her, "Never say that again." I reminded her of the differences she made in the lives of two young boys and my life and who knew how many others. In fact, I´m sure we all know different. No, she didn´t have world-renowned success or grand treasures here on earth. But how many of us are better people for having known Linda? Do we really know the lives she touched by the causes she was connected to, including her 29 years of sobriety with AA?
Linda loved her family and friends. She loved living and lived it on her terms. Although small in stature, she was strong in tenacity. How many people do you know have a 1200cc motorcycle with a handicapped plate while she only weighed only 125 pounds with MS and used a cane. She had a beautiful mind but yet a childlike manner (and she loved her Skittles candy!). I hope Linda finally realizes her family and friends truly loved her.
Her favorite bible verse was Luke 16:17 "And it was easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail." Linda believed in the promises of God. She knew the Word of God would never fail her. This verse meant so much to her she named her most beloved little Chihuahua, Tittles, after the verse.
Let her short life be remembered by her beauty that goes far beyond outward appearance to all the special moments we all have as we remember our BEAUTIFUL Linda and smile.
Loving written by,
Erin Atkins
Service Schedule
Family Receive Friends
16:00 to 18:00
Thursday December 1, 2011
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00
Friday December 2, 2011
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S Center Ave
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Family Receive Friends
16:00 to 18:00
Thursday December 1, 2011
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00
Friday December 2, 2011
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S Center Ave
Miles City, MT 59301
Share
Vickie says
Your sister just called with the news……..oh what a free spirit you were!!!!! I can imagine you in Heaven gathering people for activities and such. Careful on the jokes up there though Linda! Gosh, how you will be MISSED. Still in shock……..
Teri Q. says
Linda, I will miss your witty quips and cheerfulness, even when life was giving you lemons. You always had a smile and a joke. May you rest in peace.
Lance says
Good-bye, Linda. I regret your passing.
And best wishes to all who have been touched by Linda’s life.
Ern, Esther & Terry says
Home at last but will miss you ! May God bless those you left behind and be of comfort knowing you are in a better place.
Eileen and Vern says
Our prayers are with the family. We are so thankful to have known Linda. She was always a bright spot in the room. She will be missed. We know she is up in heaven with a big smile on her face and no longer in pain.
Aliceann says
It has been an great honor to have known you Linda. May your wisdom and boundless hope in good outcomes be shared in eternity as it was among us.
My condolences to the family. Linda’s love for you was boundless.
Pearl says
You will missed so much,my friend. I wii think of you often. I wish you eternal peace,
David A. Monington says
My closest and dearest, Aunty Linda. I have always been a huge and impressive part of my life for the last 34 years. I am so glad I was able to talk to you at the start of your trip, but I truly miss you. I am so glad that your youngest nephew, was able to spend time with his Great Aunty, this past year! You will be missed terribly, and I also know that with your faith in Christ and through baptism, that you are truly saved and in Paradise with our father…and your burdens are lifted from your shoulders! We love you so much and we will celebrate your life just as you did.
Erin says
So may tears, followed by so mach joy that I knew you. All the memories I hold dear to my heart. I hope you finally know, how much you are truly love, my friend.
Kathy, you know where to find me anytime, and I’m glad you already have. Prayers of comfort for you and your family. If anyone knows you do, of just how much Linda meant to me.
Love you, Buddy.
Erin
Linda Sue Lynch says
Linda Lee was my best friend my mentor and my sponsor for those of us who knew linda let us always remember the dash between the years for thaty dash represented all the time that she spent alive on earth now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth so lets be less quick ot anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before if we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile and always remember that this special dash might only might only last a while. And i know linda lee was proud of her dash i will always remember you with so much love your dear friend
linda Sue.
Sherry Steve and Stephanie says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Linda was a very special person.
Steve O'Connor says
Nov 29, 11
Linda will always be a fine memory for all. What she accomplished in her way too short time on earth was remarkable.
She was comely in biblical terms; but that doesn’t paint a complete portrait.
Her mother was responsible for introducing our family to Pastor Doring and the Lutheran Church of our Savior.
“Dock” as she was known in high school used to scamper in the hall ways and practice fields.
We only shared one class together 1976, when I had to enroll in two English classes to make up for flunking one previously.
Linda accepted me just as another person in the class.
Though being a year older, I most certainly was far from being any more mature than any body.
She was bright with out a: “hey, listen to what I have to say”.
Wish I had gotten up the nerve to ask her for a date; but simply moved on to other things.
One time, at one of the high school dances,attempting to be:”cool” I invited Linda to share a Miller 7 ounce nip beer.
She declined as being in training for sports.
Steve O’Connor zombo_57@yahoo.com
Rick Grant says
Will keep you all in my Prayers. Sorry to hear of the pasting of your sister, Linda.
Tamara Lea Meagley says
You made it home woman. I knew you would but not this soon. Give buddy a big for me. Take care of him for me. We will meet again. I am so glad you are not in pain any more. I will miss you deeply my friend. My prayers are with you Cathy. God Bless.
Don Hatosy says
I was a science teacher in Hopatcong HS and had Linda as a student. She participated in the “science room clean up committee” after school.
She was a bubbly presence for us all. I am saddened by her too early passing.
Don Hatosy
John J says
Word slowly trickled back here and got the news. I’m heartbroken.
Linda, you helped us start a meeting that lasted over 15 years here in Rapid City, for that alone, all those experiences, fellowship, and joy the meeting made possible, I will be forever greatfull. Save a chair for me at the big meeting, Ill be along when my chores are done here. Give Tiddles a hug for me, and say hi to our friends who have gone before us.
To Linda’s family,freinds, I share your loss. I would not be the person I am today had she not shared part of her life with me. I’ll remember her, always. “November is Gratitude month in AA” she always said. She will always have 29 years sober. I’ll always be greatfull for her time with us in Rapid city.
Steven O'Connor says
Linda and I knew each other through two different places.
Firstly, she was an accomplished athlete.
Secondly, her faith in Jesus shone through her in actions.
Many people claim they are religous; but that’s only words. “Dock” truly strived to set an example in her way too short time on earth.
Barry G. Wick says
Linda and I were Facebook friends, AA friends, and activist friends. She was incredibly intelligent, bright, and sincere. I extend my sympathies to the family…and want them to know that this is a great personal loss to me, a great shock, and I shall miss her greatly in the future years. While we had very little connection except for Facebook in these more recent years, I remember her so well and all that she shared. She was a tremendous help to me though many projects and activities and was always willing to participate. I wish I could give her a hug again.
Carole Dighans says
Thoughts and prayer for all of the dear family and friends left behind.
Jenifer C. says
I am to say that my life was touched by Linda. I met her through AA and she was one of the people that truly saved me. She always had such a positive attitude and catching smile. I will always remember her love of the holidays. Linda, you will be missed.
Sandy Hatcher says
I only knew you a very short time, but everytime I saw you lifted my spirts, You will be missed by so many, R.I.P.