Linda Ultz, 61

Linda D. Ultz, age 61, of Burr Oak, Mich., went to be with her Lord on Monday evening, Nov. 21, 2011.

She was born May 16, 1950, in Sturgis, Mich., a daughter of the late Robert E. King and the late Jean E. (Lane) Rutter.

Linda was a lifelong St. Joseph County resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1968. She continued her education at Augerbright Business College in Battle Creek earning an associate’s degree.

On March 21, 1970, she married Richard E. Ultz at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burr Oak. Since 1972 Rick and Linda have operated Rich Acres Dairy Farm in Burr Oak.

Linda was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burr Oak where she was a member of LWML, Alter Guild, Bible Study Leader, and was the church secretary for many years. She was also a member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association Constantine Local where she served as the Dairy Communicator for several years. Linda also volunteered her time at the Burr Community Schools.

Linda was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest joys were taking care of her family and sharing her talents with her church and community.

She is survived by her loving and dedicated husband of 41 years, Richard E. Ultz; daughter, Cindy (Fidel) Hernandez of Burr Oak; son, Richard C. (Janelle) Ultz of Burr Oak; daughter, Heidi (Dennis) Gest of Bronson; son, Michael E. (Candy) Ultz of Spring Arbor; son, Mark (Roxanne) Ultz of White Pigeon; and daughter, Britta (TJ) Baxter of Fredericksburg, Va.; 17 grandchildren; her siblings, Patsy (Steve) Scott of Burr Oak, Penny (Rob Howe) Leister of McLeansboro, Ill., and James (Patricia) King of Sturgis and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Lawrence Michael Ultz; and brother, Thomas King.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, Mich., 49091, 269-651-3284. Funeral services celebrating the life of Linda Ultz will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burr Oak. The Rev. Kurt Kuhlmann will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at the Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Ultz’s memory consider the St. John’s Lutheran Church, 218 W. Main St., Burr Oak, MI 49030.

The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.