Sally Linhart

Sally Jean Linhart, a devoted mother, grandmother, loving wife, and treasured friend, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, at the age of 79 at Denver Sunset Home. Her gentle spirit, steady warmth, and remarkable resilience touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Born on July 26, 1946, in Oelwein, Iowa, the youngest child of Clayton and Dorothy (Hansen) Kemp. She spent a significant amount of her life battling health issues but faced every new health challenge or complication with strength, grace, and faith in God, that saw her through every struggle. Despite fatigue and physical weakness that accompanies chronic illness, she refused to let them define her. She remained vibrant, active, and deeply engaged with the people she loved for most of her life. She was kind and polite to all who cared for her, up to the very end. We are in turn thankful for all the doctors, nurses, aides, housekeeping staff, and dietary aides who showed her kindness and exceptional care in return. She was the proud mother of two children, Angie and Bill, who were the heart of her world. Her guidance, humor, commitment to family, and steadfast support shaped their lives in ways that will continue to echo for years to come. She and her husband, Chuck, recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary—a milestone that reflected their deep partnership, and enduring love and devotion to each other. Together, they created a home for their children, a loving retreat for their grandkids, and a welcoming gathering place for friends and family; where wonderful memories were made. Her greatest joy came from her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. She adored each of them, celebrating their milestones, attending their performances and games where she cheered on their accomplishments, and showering them with the kind of love only a grandmother can give. She always put the needs of others before her own. When her parents became ill, she cared for them with tenderness and patience. She extended that same compassion to friends and family whenever they needed a helping hand, never hesitating to show up with support, kindness, and a warm heart. Animals held a special place in her life, especially the many cats she loved over the years. Each one brought her comfort and joy, and she cared for them as cherished members of the family. She will be remembered for her kindness, creating magical holidays (especially Christmas) for her family, her resilience, and her ability to make others feel welcomed and valued. Her legacy lives on in the memories she created and the love she gave so freely. She is survived by her husband Charles Linhart of Cedar Falls; her children, Angela (Devlin) Nelson Ackerman of Des Moines and William (Patricia) Nelson of Cedar Falls, her grandchildren, Clayton (Summer VanVeen) Ackerman of Rock Valley, IA, Nicole (Tyler) Much of Bingen, WA, Michael (Alexa Rickman) Nelson of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Nicholas (Shannon) Nelson of Cedar Falls, her sister Sandra Kelley of Galena, MO, sister-in-law Leanne Kemp of Ironton, MN and her beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Dorothy (Hansen) Kemp, brother, Jon Roger Kemp, and brother-in-law, Milferd (Bud) Kelley. A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30am on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Richardson Funeral Service in Cedar Falls, where family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor the beautiful life she lived. Visitation will be from 1-3pm Sunday at Richardsons, and also one hour prior to the funeral on Monday. Burial will be in Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens in Cedar Falls. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Sally Linhart

July 26, 1946 - February 18, 2026