Linda Gene (Ostrander) Sides passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024. Linda was born in Midland, Michigan to Robert and Dorothy Ostrander on January 17, 1946. Upon graduation from Midland Dow High School in 1964, Linda married Wilton "Bud" Sides and moved to Flint, where they welcomed their first daughter, Deborah. Between 1964 and 1972, their family grew to six children, whom they raised in Gaylord until their marriage ended in 1984. Linda was a thrifty homemaker and ran a tight ship. She worked especially hard to ensure the holidays were special, budgeting and planning activities to make the times festive.

The next chapter saw Linda move with her daughters to Traverse City, where she worked, then enrolled at Northwestern Michigan College (where she studied with Deb). After earning an Associate's Degree, Linda (and Deb) moved on to pursue studies at Michigan State University, ultimately achieving a Master's in Social Work. She worked as a social worker for Ingham County Community Mental Health until her retirement back to Traverse City, where she cared for her aging mother, and could again be closer to family.

In retirement, Linda grew tired of Michigan winters and made the decision to relocate to Lady Lake, Florida. Always fiercely independent, Linda said it was her dream to retire in Florida, and she was proud to make it happen. She enjoyed visits from her family, shopping on QVC, playing with her dog, and reading on her sun porch. When her health started to fail in late summer 2024, Linda returned to Michigan to be closer to her daughters for support and care.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Dorothy Ostrander, and daughter, Dawn (Sides) Allmacher. She is survived by her children, Deborah Sides (Susan Balfe), Wilton "Bud" (Anne) Sides, Donna Sides, Amy (John) Rouzer, Angela Sides-McKay (Timothy McKay), grandchildren Justin (Cheyenne) Allmacher, Ashtin Allmacher, Derrick Timerman, Cory Mitchell, Ryan (Kayla) Sides, and great-grandson, Lucas Sides.

Per Linda's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a private memorial at a later date. Her family wishes to thank the staff at Medilodge of Suttons Bay, and express a special thanks to the staff at Munson Hospice House for her care.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Munson Hospice House, Traverse City.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Linda's family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.