Linda Rose Watts

Linda Watts
Fremont, California

Linda Rose Winkel Watts, 84, of Fremont, California, passed away on March 18, 2025 in Surprise, Arizona. Linda was born on August 7, 1940 in Oakland, California to Francis and Rose Winkel. As the eldest child, she naturally took on a nurturing role, assisting with household chores and caring for her younger siblings. Her early years were spent on San Antonio Street in Alameda, California before the family relocated to Niles, where she enjoyed a more rural upbringing. She attended Niles Elementary School and graduated from Washington High School in Centerville in 1958. She married her high school sweetheart, Ronald Tompkins “Tom” Kipp and had three children: Lisa (Mark) Pettit of Sun City West, Arizona; Gregory Kipp of Howard, Wisconsin; and Andrew (Debi) Kipp of Fremont, California. Linda and Tom relocated to Hawaii, where she embraced the island culture. Inspired by Lisa's hula lessons, Linda joined an adult hula class with her best friend Betty Pettit. They had so much fun and performed in Waikiki and local luaus. Linda cherished beach outings and weekly potlucks including beach volleyball with her Hawaiian friends and family. She had an adventurous spirit, often seen driving the family dune buggy (with Andy in his infant seat!) or zipping around Oahu on her Honda 50! In 1969 she returned to Fremont with her children determined to build a future for her family as a single mom. She pursued a career in Nursing earning her CNA and LVN, and working at Crestwood Rehabilitation Hospital. Eventually she earned her RN at Ohlone College and began work on the surgical floor at St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, California for 20+ years. Linda was a devoted mother who balanced love and discipline ensuring her children always stayed in line -– sometimes with the infamous coat hanger chase down the hall! "Auntie Linda" to many, known for her spunk, cheerfulness & humor. She could often be seen in a corner reading books or having a “tea party” with nieces, nephews and grandchildren. She also would often break out in song to Tom Jones, Barbara Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Jo Stafford, Teresa Brewer, & Ray Charles. Her greatest joy was her family and she adored her grandchildren: Dennis Wilkinson, Justin Kipp, Jamis Kipp, Sarah Kipp, Brittany Kipp and Bridget Kipp. She also treasured her great grandchildren: Sariah Tenor, Elliot Kipp, Lily Simon, Zyan Lombardi and Pheonyx Robinson. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Rose Winkel; her grandson, Justin Kipp and ex-husband Langley Watts. Linda had a signature greeting, whether in person or on the phone. She always welcomed loved ones with a cheerful "Howdy Doody!" She will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend.

Services will be held Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11:00 am at Magleby's Mortuary, 50 South 100 West, Richfield, Utah 84701. Family viewing from 9:30–10:30 am. Flowers can be sent directly to Magleby's, please send donations online or by mail to St. Rose Hospital Foundation 27200 Calaroga Avenue, Hayward, CA 94545

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook www.maglebymortuary.com

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