Linda Mass-Rider

linda mass-rider

August 26, 1947 ~ January 31, 2009


Resided in: Pueblo, CO

Linda Mass-Rider, 61, jumped into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, January 31, 2009, after a long, brave battle with myelofibrosis. Born in Pinon, Colorado on August 26, 1947, she was the daughter of Frank 'Sharky' and Doris Mass. Preceded in death by her father, Frank S. Mass. Survived by her husband of 23 ½ years, Kenny R. Rider. Also survived by her mother, Doris Mass; beloved adopted son, Robert Clemenza;stepson, Kenny Justin Rider; sister, Deanna Masciantonio; and brother, Frankie Mass. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. Linda graduated from Pueblo County High School in 1965, where she loved participating in cheerleading. After graduating from Southern Colorado State College, where she earned a degree in education, she taught 30 years at Hellbeck Elementary while also earning a Masters degree. A passionate and dedicated teacher, Linda taught in grades 3 through 5. Linda was a longtime member of Pinon Arts & Crafts Club. Upon retirement, she enjoyed quilting with her dear friends Paula, Donna and Mary Jane. She was an active member at Mesa Christian Fellowship where she taught Sunday school. Linda was a joy to every life she touched. There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. A celebration of her life will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at Central Christian Church, 1902 N. Hudson Ave., with Pastor Shane Cannon officiating. Those who desire may make memorials to Mesa Christian Fellowship Building Fund, through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, Colorado 81003. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com

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  1. I will mess you Linda. We had lots of fun quilting. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. “God doesn’t call the qualified.
    He qualifies the called.
    Rest in peace dear friend.

  2. Kenny, Mrs. Mass, Deanna, Frankie, and family,

    Our deepest symphony for your loss. Linda was an incredible person who loved you and lived a fulfilling with with you at her side.

    Linda was an amazing, beautiful lady who cared deeply about her family and friends. I felt privileged that Linda called me her friend. I first met Linda in high school where we shared good times on the cheerleading team traveling to various games together. The friendships we developed from those cheerleading days have stayed with many of us to this day. Linda was well liked by our classmates and many have remained close friends over the years. She helped keep the class of 1965 together by working on various class reunions. Linda was quiet, thoughtful, an inspiration, and always brought a sense of timelessness to our celebrations. Some of us moved away from Pueblo, Sue (Largent) Giallelis in NY and me in MT, but we always kept our connection through cards, phone calls, and, of course, whenever we returned to Pueblo. When I visited Pueblo Linda and Paula would get old friends together so I could reconnect with them or we might just have lunch together. I always felt so fortunate to have friends like Linda & Paula. It was always a pleasure to see and visit my dear friend, Linda.

    Many people knew Linda in different ways: a loving wife who thought the world of her husband, Kenny; a sister who cared deeply about her sister, Deanne, and brother, Frankie; and a thoughtful & loving daughter to her mother, Mrs. Mass. The list of people could go on as Linda’s life touched many people.

    To me, the most precious thing Linda gave to us was the way Linda held her friendships close to her heart over the many years. We are the ones priviledged to call Linda OUR FRIEND. I’m sorry I can not be with you today to celebrate Linda’s wonderful life.

    My heartfelt sorrow goes to your family and to Linda’s friends who are with you today. We all will miss Linda’s smiling face and warm heart.

    Loving friends,

    Janet (Cortese) Keith
    Jack Keith

  3. May God give the family strength during this time. Your in our prayers and thoughts. A fellow classmate-1965.

  4. Dear Doris, Deanna and Family
    I was very sadden to read of Linda’s passing. She was such a kind and lovely person. It has been quite a long time since I had seen her, but whenever I ran into her, I always enjoyed talking with her, catching up with the news of other family members, and talking about teaching. She was truly a beautiful person and her loss will be felt by many. My condolences and love to all, Esther

  5. Uncle Kenny,
    We were heart broken to read about the passing of Aunt Linda. Words will never express the love we feel for you and Aunt Linda, Thank you for being apart of our lives. We love you, Gio, Gianna & Sammi Jo

  6. I’m so sorry to hear that Linda has passed away. I only met her once while I was traveling with friends of mine – Tim & Kathleen (Linda’s cousin). Linda made me feel right at home. I had the best time getting to know Linda and Kenny by the time I left I felt like I was leaving my cousin’s house. What a special person she was. I’m so glad to have met her. After spending time with her and reading & hearing what others have said about her – this world is a better place because Linda was a in it. She touched many lives and will be missed by many.

  7. I grew up in Pueblo and though I never really knew Linda, in 1965 we knew who people were in our community and I always heard about her and what a nice person she was. I can picture her still, as the most beautiful cowgirl there ever was. My sympathy to all who loved her, and your loss of a beautiful person, inside and out.

  8. What a great cousin I had in Linda. I remember going to the ranch in Pinion, Colorado and visiting when I was a child. Linda being much older took me on as one of her strays. She rode me around on horse back, we would play hide and seek, go swimming in the metal stock pond, and just play games. Linda was always someone who truly cared for the young. It was her calling to be a teacher and she truly excelled at it. This could be seen when me and my family came to Colorado one summer and my daughter Saphira came with us. Linda took to her just as if she was one of her own. My daughter still remembers this and Linda was always one of her best friends even though they meet for only a few days.
    Every time we came to Colorado she would get hurt if we did not come by and spend time with her. Even after I was grown up she would always be concerned about our safety and would give us tips on how to be more cautious. She always would know what was happening around the state and would give us advise on where to go or what to do.
    My heart goes out to Aunt Doris. She is truly a great person that my mother (Anna Jean) looked up to. Kenny our prayers are with you and remember she is in no pain now and with her father and sister.
    My wife Sybille and I are driving up for the service Thursday and look forward to seeing our other family members along with by kin. My sisters, Kathy and Karen should be in Pueblo on Friday for the service. I hear that Miniruth’s girl is coming into town too. See ya’ll soon!

    Stephen Arthur David Borrego
    17100 West Highway 29
    Liberty Hill, Texas 78642
    Cell 512-913-4807

  9. We are so sorry for your loss, Kenny. We didn’t know Linda well–only met her once or twice, we know she loved and cared for you and yours dearly.

  10. Our family is so saddened to her of Linda’s passing. My father, her Uncle David cried when he recieved Aunt Doris’ phone call. He loved his niece Linda and shared all his great memories of their childhood. He often spoke of what a beautiful person she was. I enjoyed her beautiful smile and her gracious hospitality when I would come to visit our family in Colorado, with my father. She was a great homemaker and wonderful cook. Her love for others was truely inmeasurable. We will miss her and always remember the beautiful moments we shared with her.
    Love, Cousin Merrilee, Uncle David and family

  11. I am so greatful for Linda coming into my dad’s life and my life so many years ago. Linda was my stepmother, and we got along great from the beginning. When my dad married Linda, certain friends of mine were amazed that Linda and I got along so well; in their minds, stepparent/stepchild relationships were inherently adversarial and quarrelsome. That was not the case with Linda and I. Linda always treated me with love and respect. And what can I say about the way she treated my dad? She absolutely loved and adored him. She took care of him, as she did to every other person in her life. I am so proud to have had Linda as my stepmother…my dad couldn’t have found a better person. I am thankful for Linda, and am honored to be called her stepson.

  12. I am so sorry to hear of Linda’s death. My husband died of Myelofibrosis and I met with Linda and had conversations over the phone with her. Like my husband she fought the battle to the fullest. We kept praying for that miracle drug. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Sincerely,
    Helen Stewart

  13. Such a tragedy to lose such a beautiful person, her personality seemed to light up everyone when they were in her presence.
    Our deepest condolences.

    Bob & Mary(Keithley) Vinci

  14. It has been well over 40 fours since last seeing Linda, but her smile and the descriptions of her numerous friends and family members would indicate that she didn’t change much. I am sure she will be missed.
    Class of ’65

  15. Looking back thirty years when we first met Linda-her infectious smile comes to mind. She was such fun! Truly her light lives on in the hearts of all those who knew her and especially with those she loved.
    Now she’s kicking up her lovely heels in her Father’s house of many mansions.


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