Linda Hoge

Linda Ann Vezina Hoge, 68, was called to her heavenly home on May 13 after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. The fact that Linda far surpassed the life expectancy that she was given when first diagnosed with cancer is testimony to the fighting spirit that quietly dwelt beneath her gentle demeanor. She fought so that she could take her family on unforgettable vacations; she fought to spend precious time with friends; and, she fought for her final goal…to celebrate her last birthday on earth with those she loved. She called that last birthday celebration, six days before she passed, “the best day of my life.” Linda was born May 7, 1948, in Ogden, Utah, to Alvin F. and Dorothy A. Pugh Vezina. She graduated from Leadore High School in 1966 and earned her associate’s degree from the University of Montana Western. Shortly after that, she married Lance Nimmo and they had two children, Chris and Robyn. They later divorced. In 1979, she met her soulmate, Charles “Chuck” Hoge, in Dillon, Mont., and six weeks from their first date, they began their 30-year marriage journey, which brought them a son, Adam. They lived in Dillon, before settling in Bozeman, where their lives centered around their three children. With Jesus at the helm of their family, she and Chuck committed to raising their children with Godly values. They attended Kirkwood Baptist Church and Evangelical Free Church in Bozeman. Linda worked in many capacities throughout her life and excelled at each, largely due to her enormous heart for people. In every job, her goal was to help people. She worked as a secretary at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, had her own house cleaning business in Bozeman, and was as an insurance representative at Farmers Insurance and AAA in Bozeman. Linda’s love for God and her family are her legacies. It was her priority and her joy to spend time with family and friends; she would drop everything to help them. Her sense of humor always prompted a good belly laugh. She loved country music, cooking, reading and tackling house projects—from painting and wallpapering to installing tile. Linda’s gigantic heart went beyond loving people. She dearly loved animals. She once rescued a lame mouse from the hardware store, took it home and nurtured it. Her beloved dog, Missy, and her granddogs gave her an unspoken sense of peace during her illness. Three years ago, Linda met John “JD” Creger, who became her treasured partner and gift from God. They didn’t know their time together would be so short but they made the best of what they were given. They lived in both Dillon, Mont., and Tucson, Ariz., where she leaves many dear friends who loved, prayed and cared for her during her illness. Linda was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Chuck. She is survived by her partner, John; children, Chris (Erica) Nimmo, of Billings, Robyn Shepherd of Dillon, and Adam Hoge of Dillon; grandchildren Adrianna and Hunter Cotton, Lexi Nimmo and Morgan and Gavin Foss; brothers Bob (Diane) Vezina, Steve (Pattie) Vezina, John (Mandy) Love, and Jeff (Kirsten) Love; and brother-in-law Jeff (Mary) Hoge. A celebration of life will be held at Brundage Funeral Home on May 20th at 5PM. A reception is to follow at the Beaverhead Golf Course at 6:30 PM. Even though she loved flowers, Linda asked that, in lieu of flowers in her memory, you consider a donation to The Montana Hope Project, P.O. Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604, www.montanahope.org.