Linda (Keehn) Maxwell DHS1966, Died in Belle Fourche at age 66 as reported by Margaret Crary Sager DHS1961

 Linda Maxwell 

(May 1, 1948 - July 12, 2014)

Guest Book | Sign Guest Book

Linda (Keehn) Maxwell DHS1966, age 66, passed away July 12, 2014 at Belle Fourche Health Care Center

.

Linda was born May 1, 1948 in Flandreau, SD to Lew and Marion Keehn. Linda grew up in Deadwood, graduating from Deadwood High School and then attending Black Hills State College.

One of her fondest life adventures away from the Black Hills was living in Wasilla, Alaska where she made many life-long friends and memories. She returned home in 1980 to learn the fine art of being a Saloonkeeper, prankster and memory maker at the family business, Saloon No. 10.

In the page of Deadwood's history it will be noted that Linda was Deadwood's first female Reserve Police Officer. Her talents were many, but her most acclaim would be for her famous cheesecakes. She took home countless awards for 1st place. She proudly handed out her business card with the title "Cheesecake Diva". In January of 2009, with dignity and grace, she changed her title and business card to "Wheelchair Diva".

Linda had a heart of gold. She always marched to the beat of her own drum, but on the drop of a dime was there to help a friend in need. She loved her girlfriends and their escapades on the road. In her final years at Belle, she developed many new friendships with her caregivers. She was always ready with needed advice, a good joke and bottomless chocolate dish.

She is survived by her brother Gary, sisters Louie and Lori, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephew.

Linda will be greatly missed and admired by all. Her final lesson to us all is to live life to its fullest. Keep the faith. Love a giraffe.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 17, 2014, at 1 pm, at the historic St. John's Episcopal Church in Deadwood. Burial will follow at Oakridge Cemetery. Please join us following the burial for her "secret recipe cheesecake" and spirits at the Charlie Utter Theatre. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the ongoing repairs and improvements to St. John's Church.

Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead.