Linda J. Neese-Dhondt

Linda J. Neese-Dhondt, 71, was born on August 21, 1940 and died on April 24, 2012. She will be remembered as a rural hospital CEO, innovative businesswoman, Business and Medical Assistant teacher, Humane Society volunteer, and political campaign volunteer. She loved animals, flowers, the mountains, reading, being a mother and grandmother and engaging in a passionate discussion of current events.

She believed in staying informed, realizing your potential, challenging assumptions, making the world a better place and treating others with dignity and respect. She lived 17 years in Colorado Springs and previously in Utah, Nebraska, Colorado and Kansas.

Linda is survived by her husband of 25 years Gary Dhondt (married 1/3/1987). She is also survived by her children, Todd (Barbara) Neese of Des Moines, Iowa, Tim (Eric Oosterom) Neese of Weesp, The Netherlands and stepchildren, Steven (Amy) Dhondt of Arlington, Virginia, and Mechelle Dhondt of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and two granddaughters Ellen and Grace Dhondt of Arlington, Virginia. She is also survived by her sister Kay (Mike) Hickok of Phoenix, Arizona, and brother Ray Henkle of Pleasanton, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her father David Henkle (1987), mother Mary Henkle (1995), brother Larry Henkle (1949) and sister Peggy Nichols (1998).

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 11:00am at Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Home in Colorado Springs at 3825 Airport Road. A contribution to the Humane Society Pikes Peak Region

(www.hsppr.org) or your local chapter can be made in lieu of sending flowers.