Linda Kay Ashley

Linda Kay Ashley was born at home in a little cabin in the woods east of Pablo on December 13th, 1947, to August and Pearl (Roullier) Ashley. She joined her older sister, Jeanie McCauley, and was later followed by her younger sister, Pat Ashley, completing a close-knit family rooted in love, laughter, and the simple joys of country life.

From an early age, Linda developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors, a love that would shape her entire life. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, cutting firewood, and post and pole work, as well as gardening/landscaping, cutting trees, picking berries, and taking daily walks along the canal with her dog alongside her.

Linda attended school in Pablo and was a proud member of the CSKT tribe. She worked all her life, from cutting and selling Christmas trees to cords of wood. She worked for a local greenhouse/landscaping business in Polson and also for the Tribal Elder program when she acquired many certifications, at first as a caregiver for her mother, and continued caring for others after her mom had passed.

Linda found peace and purpose in nature. She had a gift for turning everyday moments into treasured memories and loved to share her knowledge and passion with family and friends. Her lessons were never just about how to catch a fish or split a log; they were about patience, respect for the land, and the beauty of working with one’s own hands.

Though Linda never had children of her own, she embraced the role of a mentor, caregiver, and second mother to many within her family. Her heart was big enough to hold everyone she loved, and her kindness, humor, little smile, and strength left an everlasting mark on all who knew her. Family Sunday dinners and special family gatherings were brighter with her laughter, and she had a special way of making everyone feel loved, at home, and cared for.

After a courageous battle with cancer, Linda passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her beloved family on October 24, 2025. Linda leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and deep connection to those around her that she cherished so much. Her spirit will live on though the traditions of Sunday dinners and the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, August and Pearl Ashley, and is survived by her sister Jeanie McCauley and Pat Ashley. Nephew Bob McCauley, Nieces and Debbie McCauley, Teresa (Scott) Nelson, Tina Ashley, Christie Ashley (Tom Wolfe), and great nieces Jolene McCauley and family, Roberta McCauley, Rochelle (Colt) Jore and family, Nicole (Wayne) Burland and family, Sara (Jesse) Drennan and family, Meagan (Holt Walchuk) Nelson, Lexi Stainbrook, great nephews Tyler McCauley and family, Loren McCauley, Jeremy (Becky) Nelson and family, Bo (Whitney) Bourdon and family, Reese (Tiffany) Bourdon family, Cooper Paul, Sheldon Ashley, and many cousins.

A visitation will take place from 10:00 am - 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, a funeral service will follow the visitation at 11:00 am, all at The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.