Rosella “Rosie” Vander Linden, 82 of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2010, at Dougherty Hospice.
Rosella Long, daughter of Ferdinand and Helena (McCain) Long, was born on December 8, 1927, on a farm in rural Harrisburg, SD. She grew up there receiving her education and attended at Augustana College in Sioux Falls. She then spent time working at a photo lab in Sioux Falls.
Rosella was united in marriage with Richard Thompson in Granite, IA. The couple lived in Sioux Falls and Rosie sold for Stanley Products. Later Rosie worked at Sunshine Foods in the warehouse until it closed and then transferred to the bakery.
Rosella was united in marriage with James Vander Linden at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Iowa in 1981. Together, the couple enjoyed traveling, going to reunions, and having friends and family over to entertain.
Rosie was a member of First Congregational Church and was active in T.O.P.S. She was a very caring and giving person, always making you feel comfortable and at home. She loved to laugh and easily wore a smile to give you lipstick kisses.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband Jim Vander Linden, Sioux Falls, SD; daughters Cynthia McGee and her husband Earl, Great Bend, KS, Valerie Blackburn and her husband Byron, Caldwell, ID; step-son Kevin Vander Linden and his daughter Brianna Wood, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren Ryan Jewell and Brandy Rol; great-grandchildren Braeden, Ethan, Damian, and Ramon; brothers Charley Long and his wife Joy, Pine River, MN, Conrad Long and his wife Eula, Richmond, VA; sister Ileene Carlson and her husband George, Largo, FL; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
Rosie was preceded in death by her parents; a son Gregory Thompson; and a step-daughter Laurie Vander Linden.
Visitation will begin at 12 pm with the family present from 5 to 7 pm on Monday, March 1, 2010, at Miller West, 41st Street and Valley View Road. A funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at First Congregational Church with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery.
