Linda Axtell

Linda was born in Denver, Colorado, on September 4, 1948, to Lillian and Grant Oberwitte. Her early childhood was spent on a farm before the family moved to a house just down the street, where she grew up alongside her sister, Louise, and younger brother, Bill.

Louise fondly remembers Linda sitting with a book before she could read, running her fingers across the words and humming as though she were reading aloud. The sisters also shared plenty of childhood mischief, dressing their little brother, Bill, in outrageous outfits and treating him like their own living doll.

Linda’s best friend growing up was Dottie, who would also play an important role in the next chapter of her life. Dottie and Jim introduced Linda to Robert “Bob” Axtell, the man who would become her husband.

Linda and Bob built a life together centered on family and hard work. After welcoming their daughter, Shana, they purchased the Lakewood home where they would raise their family. Their son, Jeff, arrived ten years later, and that same house remained Linda’s home for the rest of her life.

Their years together held family memories and plenty of bickering. Even after decades of marriage, Bob still made a point of giving her a kiss, a small gesture of affection that their children remember.

Linda helped run the family landscaping and maintenance business, Three Oaks, Inc., handling the bookkeeping and working alongside Bob before retiring years ago. Her contributions were an important part of both the business and the life they built together.

Above all, Linda cared for people. She was generous with her time, her help, and her love, often putting the needs of others ahead of her own. Whether helping her brother or supporting her children through difficult moments, she showed up without judgment and without keeping score. Her children always knew they could turn to her.

Linda had a good sense of humor and a laugh her family will remember with love. Some of her happiest times were spent with her children, whether going out to a restaurant or taking a scenic drive with Shana. Outings with Jeff often included visiting breweries, trying new beers, or suggesting they split a pitcher of margaritas, even though she would have only one and leave him the rest.

She also enjoyed adventures with Shana and her granddaughter, Harlie, as well as dinners with Jeff, his wife, Ali, and Linda’s step-grandchildren, Freddie and Chloe. Much of their time together happened around a restaurant table, where an ordinary meal became another chance to catch up, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. Those simple moments became treasured family memories.

In recent years, Linda enjoyed puzzles and crosswords. Earlier in life, she enjoyed tole painting, creating decorative designs on wood. She was also a longtime Denver Broncos season ticket holder and attended games for many years.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents, Lillian and Grant Oberwitte; and her brother, Bill Mauzy. She is survived by her daughter, Shana Sanborn, and her husband, Shawn; her son, Jeff Axtell, and his wife, Ali DiLorenzo; her granddaughter, Harlie Quinn Axtell; her step-grandchildren, Freddie and Chloe Rivard; and her sister, Louise Crow.

Linda’s love was part of everyday life: a helping hand, a shared meal, a familiar laugh, and the reassurance that she would be there when she was needed. Those moments, and the care behind them, will stay with her family always.

A graveside service honoring Linda’s life will be held Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.