Obituary

Linda Frances Mills

November 14, 1947 - September 27, 2020

Linda Frances Mills, a resident of Covington, Louisiana, died on September 27, 2020, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital.  She was 72 years old.

Born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, on November 14, 1947, Linda was the firstborn child of John C. “Jack” and Frances (Johnson) Mills.

She was a proud member of Bogalusa High School’s class of 1965.  She attended Louisiana State University where she became an avid and lifelong fan of the Tigers.  She graduated from LSU in 1969.

After a brief stint teaching 9th graders in Bogalusa, Linda packed up her Plymouth Barracuda and moved to Washington, D.C.  For several years, she worked for U.S. Congressman John R. Rarick.  That job was followed by a position as a lobbyist for General Mills, Inc.  Linda loved her time on The Hill.  She thrived having new opportunities and meeting new people.

In May 1979, she married Kurt Carl Kemper.  After their wedding in Bogalusa, they moved to Los Angeles, California, where Linda changed careers and entered banking. 

Linda began what led to another career when she got her first puppy, Donder, a yellow Labrador Retriever.  Linda became a Lab breeder and handler.  She enjoyed competing in conformation events, where she made many new friends.  She and Kurt took their love of dogs (and other animals) to the next level by owning and operating Kennel Kare, a large kennel in Long Beach, California.

Linda enjoyed working.  Every job brought new challenges and endless stories.  Her life was never dull.

After retirement, Linda and Kurt moved to Covington, Louisiana, not far from Linda’s hometown.

Linda’s hobbies and interests over the years included LSU football, bridge, hiking, skiing, reading, and of course her beloved Labradors.

Linda was kind and generous.  She looked out for her younger siblings.  She was determined.  She was a great letter writer.  Although she faced many health challenges in the later years of her life, Linda never lost hope.  She was courageous and never asked, “Why me?”

Linda was briefly survived by her husband, Kurt.  She is survived by her brother, John  C. Mills III (Roberta) of Hessel, Michigan; her sister, Emily M. Johnson (Steven) of Santa Ana, California; her niece, Melissa Anne Wood of Bogalusa, Louisiana; and her nephew, John “Woody” Wood of Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, John C. “Jack” and Frances Mills; and her sister, Susan Mills Wood.

A graveside service celebrating her life will be held at Ponemah Cemetery on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 11:00 A.M.  

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.