Linda Rae Cox-Townsend

Linda Rae Cox-Townsend was born Sept. 22, 1950, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Robert and Shilo Townsend. She grew up in Altoona, Iowa, and graduated from South East Polk High School.  She earned a bachelor's degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. She married Dennis Cox on June 7, 1979. They lived in Wells, St. Clair, Plainview, Chatfield and Rochester, Minn.

Although she began to experience the effects of a degenerative neuropathy as a young adult, Linda refused to let it slow her down any more than she had to. Even after her disability limited her mobility to a wheelchair, she maintained an active and productive life. 

Linda enjoyed cooking, baking and canning and never shared her recipe for real mincemeat.  She was a voracious reader, who also liked to travel and particularly enjoyed cruises. Linda was an avid horsewoman and competed nationally in show pleasure driving, winning many first-place ribbons with her beloved horse, Chelsea. She recently established Chelsea Meadows Equestrian Center in Oronoco.

Linda lived for others and believed whole-heartedly in the principle of "paying it forward." She freely took in anyone needing a place to live and "adopting" anyone who needed a mother, grandmother or friend. 

Linda passed from this life Thursday, after years of bravely battling chronic pain and declining health. She was preceded in death by her parents. Linda is survived by her husband, Dennis; her daughters, Blair and Beth; her best friend, Peg Tennant; her sisters, Carol Lawson and Debra (David) Lind; several nieces and a nephew; and a wide circle of friends. 

A memorial service will be held later this summer. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901, 507-289-3600, ranfranzandvinefh.com.