Longtime Billings educator and artist, Linda Kay Meyer, aged 75, suddenly passed away on Friday July 10, 2026, at Billings Clinic. After sharing her heart with so many over her lifetime, it finally gave out. A gifted, talented and caring person, Linda was born on November 22, 1950, on her grandparent's farm in Willard, Montana to Norbert and Mary Jane Meyer, joining an older sister and followed by a brother and sister. Her family lived in New Orleans until Linda was 5 years old and then she spent her childhood in Billings where she attended Fratt, Lewis and Clark and Billings Senior High, graduating in 1969. Excelling at school and having a passion for art, led Linda to Eastern Montana College where she earned a degree in education. During her college career, she was the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship and spent time in England, Denmark, Holland, and Sweden.
Linda began her teaching career in Baker, MT in 1973. During her 8-year tenure, Linda built an amazing art program. According to her fellow teachers, she commandeered the gym and filled it with her students' art. The quality of which was outstanding and the pride her students had in their artwork reflected the pride Linda instilled in them.
In the fall of 1980, Linda moved back to Billings to pursue a master's degree in guidance counseling. School District #2 hired her to be a counselor at her Alma Mater, Billings Senior High School. Linda had an open-door policy, plenty of smiles and a jar of Smarties on her desk. She devoted her life to countless students making sure each one of them felt supported, safe, and appreciated. She would often be seen at football and basketball games cheering on her beloved Broncs. (Black and orange ran through her veins). Linda had the honor of being the first woman to be the head of a counseling department in School District #2 as well a Golden Apple Award winner.
Although small, Linda's home was always open and the center of activity. A gracious host to all who came, she loved having family, friends and fellow teachers over for a gathering.
Whether watching a game, celebrating achievements or just enjoying each other's company, Linda's house was the place to be. A fantastic cook, nobody left a gathering hungry. An avid reader herself, her home became a mini library for fellow readers whether loaning out books or getting new ones.
Linda met her soulmate, John Hauptman and they enjoyed each other's company for 29 years. Whether golfing, fishing, traveling or attending sporting events for grandchildren and nephews, the two were a comfort and support for each other.
Linda's love of animals, especially dogs, was evident by the many that graced her backyard.
All in all, she had 4 dogs as well as John's 2 and numerous visitors over the years.
After retirement, she began to paint again specializing in dog portraits for family and friends. She also mentored master's level counseling interns through MSUB, imparting wisdom and guidance.
Linda is predeceased by her parents, Norbert and Mary Jane, sister, Donna, brother, Joe and niece, Dawn. She is survived by her sister, Cheryl, sister-in-law Mona nieces Sasha and Lindsey, Jan Abrahamson, grandniece, Lexi and great grandnephew, Trason. Also surviving is her life partner, John Hauptman, his sons, Timothy, Robert, spouse Tanya and grandchildren Lilli, Caydence and Layton.
A memorial service for Linda will be held at 11:00am on Friday, July 31 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Billings. Following the funeral, a celebration of life with a time of sharing will be held at the church fellowship hall.
Linda was always one cup of coffee or a glass of wine away from a friendship and never had an enemy in her life.
If you visited Linda's home, you saw an array of sunflowers in paintings, sculptures, and designs. The sunflower's very appearance is a burst of joy. It's bright, yellow petals radiating from the dark center seem like the sun itself. Sunflowers are bold, vibrant and stand out among other flowers much like Linda herself. Sunflowers symbolize positivity, joy, loyalty and reflect warmth and gratitude, all of which embodies Linda's life. So, the next time you see a sunflower, let it remind you of Linda. Until we meet again, my friend.