Linda Ellen Bice Bates, 73, died Tuesday, February 13, 2018, from end stage renal disease in the home of her niece, Cheryl Rainey Yasuda in Swan Valley, Idaho. She was under the care of Hands of Hope Hospice.

She was born the 7th daughter to Clarence and Erna Mattoon Bice, 5 minutes after her twin brother, Lynn (the 7th son) on July 17, 1944, in Terry, Montana. She grew up and attended school there. Linda was briefly married to Harold Bates.

In 1967, Linda moved to Billings, Montana to work in her sister Helen's store, The Valley Superette. After the store was sold, Linda worked in various businesses in Billings including Central Avenue Food Town as manager. She was employed at the Deaconess Hospital as a housekeeping team leader, retiring after 28 years to care for her sister, Helen.

Linda enjoyed animals, baking, bingo and garage sales. She was known for her kindness to others and always had an open door for family. She was the favorite Aunt to her Rainey nieces and nephews, and had a special friendship with her nieces, Pat Ramsay Endean and Cheri Rainey Yasuda.

She was preceded in death by 5 sisters: Florence Rainey, Helen Love, Hazel Ramsey, Marlene Graham and Judy Watts; 5 brothers: Russell, Neil, Howard, Glenn and Pete.

She is survived by 2 brothers: Frank Bice of Minot, North Dakota and her twin, Lynn Bice of Terry, Montana; 4 sisters: Ann Farris of Scobey, Montana, Janet Bice of Billings, Montana, Nancy Frye of Harvey, North Dakota, and Marion Leverton of Miles City, Montana; One sister-in-law, Pat Bice of Minot, North Dakota; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Per Linda's request, there will be no funeral, viewing or reception. A family graveside services will be held at a later date in Terry, Montana. Interment will be with her sisters: Helen and Hazel in the Prairie County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com .