Obituary of Linda J Means

Linda Means, 88, of Newton, Iowa died on November 4, 2024 at Park Centre in Newton.

Linda Joan Hill was born to Leonard & Rosemary Hill in Des Moines, Iowa, on April 11, 1936. Linda had an active childhood growing up in Des Moines - playing sports, enjoying animals, going to dances, and getting together with friends. She graduated from North High School in 1954. She participated in many clubs and activities, developing a strong group of lifelong friends.

Linda enrolled at the University of Iowa, where she joined Alpha Delta Pi sorority. It was at Iowa that she began dating Richard "Dick" Means. Following Dick's graduation in 1956, he and Linda wed in Des Moines on February 9, 1957. Upon Dick's military commitment, the couple settled in Charles City, Iowa. They started their family in 1959 and soon had three energetic boys. Linda began her lifelong commitment to service, organizing and leading countless projects and activities. She also began her career in nursing, working in several doctors' offices. Linda returned to college in 1970, to finish her degree as a Registered Nurse.

In 1972, Dick was promoted to a position at Farmland Insurance in Des Moines, and the family settled in nearby Newton. They quickly acclimated with the community. Again, Linda joined a number of service organizations including P.E.O., Jasper County Animal Rescue League and 1st Presbyterian Church. She and Dick were very involved in her boys' sports and activities.

As her sons grew older, she was able to devote more of her time to nursing. She worked at Skiff Hospital and Embassy Manor before joining the staff at the Jasper County Care Facility. There she worked in a supervisory capacity, where her passion became managing and training others. She was well known for her nurse's aide course, training an entire generation of health care professionals, many of whom eventually became her caregivers at PC!

Linda had always been a social person, so she made time for that too. She could often be seen at the Newton Country Club – golfing, sitting by the pool, playing tennis or having dinner. She also enjoyed walking and biking, as well as family and Newton Ski Club skiing trips. Cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes (often in person) and visiting friends and family were always high priorities.

Sadly, Linda's life changed in February 2012 when she contracted viral encephalitis, including brain damage that limited her communication and comprehension. Needing full time care, she soon moved to Park Centre, where she found a loving and helpful staff. Thankfully, much of her personality remained. She had to find new ways to communicate, but Linda still found ways to impact and touch peoples' lives as she had always done. Dick eventually joined her at PC; it became a familiar sight to see them holding hands each day in the common area.

Linda is survived by her sons Mike (Melinda) Means of Port Charlotte, Florida and Dan Means of Urbandale, Iowa; her sister Janice Hill of Des Moines; her daughter-in-law Anne (Steve) Means of Madison, Wisc.; seven grandchildren: Katy Means of Seattle, Claire Means of Madison, Wisc., Molly Means of Miami, Fla., Micah Means of Memphis, Tenn., Melissa (Ben) Horton of West Des Moines, Ryan (Katie) Litogot of Urbandale, and Michael (Alicia) Litogot of New Hampton, Mo.; and six great-grandchildren.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; her son, Steve; her brother, Jack Hill; and her daughter-in-law, Carole Means.

A time of remembrance and celebration of life has been scheduled for November 23, 2024 from 12:00-2:00 PM at Park Centre, 500 1st Street North, Newton, Iowa in the Garden Room. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Park Centre Care Facility or Paws-N-Claws Iowa.