Judy (Mackey) Linhart

Missoula - Judy Arlyne (Mackey) Linhart, 80, of Stevensville passed away Sunday, December 25, 2022 in Missoula. She was born January 15., 1942, to the late Kenneth Willard Mackey and Anna Ventress (Smith} Mackey in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Judy was raised in many places, due to her father's military service, completing her high school years at Camden High School in Cambrian Park, San Jose, CA. Early in her junior high school years, she met fellow student, Roger W. Linhart, falling in love with him over the years, they were married on January 30:, 1960. During her youth, she developed a deep fascination with Elvis Presley, as many young girls did during this era. She enjoyed playing his records over and over on her phonograph, and attending as many of his concerts as she could with her supportive husband and numerous 'TCE' {Taking Care of Elvis} friends. During this time she became active with the Elvis Now Fan Club in San Jose, where she served as Vice President for many years. During the first third of her married life she enjoyed raising two children while supporting her husband in building his career. She loved and supported her family in numerous ways. None the least of which was working all week cleaning, shopping, cooking and packing up the car for weekend trips to the lake for waterskiing nearly every weekend during the many warm months of the California year. God Bless her for all that thankless work! She was truly a large part of many family memories built there! In 1980 she and Roger moved their family to Florence, Montana, where she developed a career in the travel industry. She enjoyed planning extensive trips and tours, sending people all over the world and hearing about their tales upon their return. While serving in the travel industry, she and Roger were able to travel to many countries and enjoy a few cruises. She loved to see the world! During this time in her life she also served her community as a Missoula Chamber of Commerce Red Coat, attaining the role of president during the service year of 1990-1991. She made many community friends there, whom she enjoyed serving with very much. Having been a seamstress all her life, in her retirement years she chose to take up quilting to help occupy her time around attending grandchildren's sporting, school and scouting events. To say it was a hobby is an understatement! She made and gave away more quilts than her family can count, ensuring that all her close friends and family members had a beautiful hand-made quilt lovingly made by Judy. Quilting and the many friends she made along the way brought her great joy, but not as much as seeing the faces of beloved friends and family when she gave them the product of her labor of love. She was a member of the Bitterroot Bunch and Sapphire Quilt Club where she learned, taught, maintained friendships and entered quilts into competitions and local fairs, winning many ribbons over the years. Judy is preceded in death by her parents and a half-sister, Melissa. Survived by her husband, Roger, Son Dale (Kelly) Linhart, daughter Sherri (Mike) Rhodes, brother, Ken (Sue) Mackey, sister, Toni Lewis, half­ sisters, Amy, Mary Beth and Moria, half-brother Sean, five beautiful grandchildren and eight great­ grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish in Stevensville. Interment will be in the Carlton Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

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