Linda Susan McDow Obituary (2024)

It is with great sadness that the family of Linda McDow announce her unexpected passing on Friday, December 20, 2024. Linda was born on October 7, 1954, in Spokane, Washington, to John Sherman "Jack" Hilby Jr. and Carol Hope Hilby. She lived in Pomeroy, Washinton, on the family farm, after her mother remarried to Donald T. Olson. In 1966, the family moved to Ellensburg, Washington. Linda was raised and had a very close relationship with "Dad Don." She was the only girl, a middle child, with two older brothers and two younger brothers. Linda graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1972. Linda met the love of her life and married her husband of 46 years, Dave McDow, on June 10, 1978, in Ellensburg, Washington. She sewed her own bridesmaids' dresses to match the powder blue groomsmen tuxedos. Three years later they welcomed their only child, Lindsay, and later moved to Yakima, Washington, where they resided for 44 years. Linda enjoyed volunteering in her daughter's classroom, which inspired her to become a paraprofessional. Later, she went back to school to get her teaching certificate, master's degree, and administrative certificate from Central Washington University and Heritage University. Linda spent her career in the West Valley, Toppenish, and Yakima School Districts, teaching grades two through five. After retiring in 2018, Linda had spare time to devote to her hobbies, which included quilting. She made over 100 quilts of different sizes over the years. Linda always liked gardening and planting flowers. She had a great passion for animals of all kinds, dogs, cats, and ducks, including her own dog, Molly. She and Dave enjoyed taking Molly for walks together. Up until her passing, Linda exercised regularly, walking up to 10 miles per day. Linda was preceded in death by her father, Jack Hilby, father and mother, Donald and Carol Olson, brother, Jim Hilby, and brother, Wayne Olson. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, David McDow, daughter, Lindsay (Alan) Schaible, and brothers, John Hilby and Ed Olson. At Linda's request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Yakima Humane Society.