Linda Anne Hill Gibbard's Obituary
Linda Anne Hill Gibbard passed from this life on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Alburquerque,
New Mexico after a brief illness. She was born Linda Gaye Laase on January 2, 1947, at
12:02 am, and missed being a New Year’s Baby by two minutes. She was born and raised in
Canton, Ohio and graduated from Jackson High School in Massillon, Ohio in 1965.
Linda moved to Cleveland, Ohio after graduation to attend Secretarial School and began
her career as a legal secretary. In 1977, she moved to Dallas, Texas and worked at several
prestigious law firms, including the firm that represented “Racehorse” Haines in his
famous murder trial.
She graduated from Texas Women’s University, Denton, Texas in 1994 with a bachelor’s
degree in Deaf Education. She spent several summers working at the Aspen Camp for the
Deaf.
In 1997, she moved to Denver, Colorado where she met her loving husband, Arthur
Gibbard. They were married on May 1, 1999, and enjoyed touring Colorado, traveling, and
riding motorcycles. In 2020, they moved to Placitas, New Mexico.
In 2000, Linda started the Colorado School of Protocol and Etiquette. She developed
several etiquette courses for children, young adults and professionals. The topics included
proper introductions and fine dining skills. Her classes were hosted by the Mount Vernon
Canyon Club in Golden, Colorado.
Linda was preceded by in death by her father, Charles Albert Laase, III, mother, Beatrice
Irene (Baker) Laase, and her brother, Kirk Samuel Laase.
She is survived by her husband, Arthur Gibbard, sister Barbara (Laase) Smith, nephews
Andrew Smith, Patrick Smith and his wife, Stevie Smith, niece Tina Ella and great nephew,
Michal Ella.
Linda lived life to the fullest and had so many close friends that were family to her. She
fiercely loved her family and friends. Her keen wit and southern charm were key to her zest
for life.
Services will be held at Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Visitation will be held in the Wildwood Chapel from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Funeral
Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. officiated by Reverend Paula Jefferson, with Committal
Service held immediately following.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Linda’s life and fellowship
immediately following the burial at the Restland Event Center inside the main funeral
home
What’s your fondest memory of Linda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Linda?
Share a story where Linda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Linda you’ll never forget.
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