Linda Jacobson

Linda passed away on October 22, 2025, at St. Vincent's Hospital in Billings, Montana, with her family by her side. She was 82, though forever young at heart.

Early Years
Linda was born in Roundup, Montana, to Frank and Mary (Nose) Pirtz. The family moved to Billings in 1946, where she grew up with her sisters Judy and Mary and her brothers Matt, Frank, and Bobby. She was also surrounded by a large, close-knit extended family spread throughout the region.

She attended Fratt Memorial and Holy Rosary schools and graduated from Billings Central Catholic High School in 1961. These experiences helped shape her strong faith and love of learning.

Becoming an Educator
After earning her degree from Carroll College in 1965, Linda taught fifth grade at Holy Rosary School, where she made a lasting impact on her students.

The Family She Built and Loved
In 1966, Linda married John Jacobson, whom she met while cruising downtown Billings - he jumped into her car at a stoplight, starting a lifelong connection. She was a loving mother to Jennifer (Jim) Smithwick, Julie (Matt) Cook, and Katie (Dan) Jacobson. She was proud of her grandchildren, Mason Smithwick and Saylor Cook, and especially loved watching Mason's baseball games and Saylor's dance performances. Linda was close to her parents, siblings, and extended family. Holidays, family gatherings, and long phone calls kept those ties strong.

Carrying on the Rainbow Legacy
The Rainbow Bar was part of Linda's life from childhood. Her grandmother opened it in 1935, and her father later took over. Linda often helped out and called herself her dad's "girl Friday." After her father's passing in 1988, Linda became the managing partner and ran the Rainbow until 2022, when she proudly passed it on to her daughter Katie. Even after stepping back, she remained a steady presence - a mentor and mother figure to many bartenders. For them, she was someone who listened, encouraged, and cared, long after their shifts ended. For many, the Rainbow wasn't just a bar - it was a place where Linda made people feel at home.

Golf
Linda loved golf and joined the Laurel Golf Club in 1972. She served on its Board of Directors and was active in the Laurel Ladies Golf Association. She competed in tournaments including the Montana State Women's Amateur and the Jubilee - and helped organize many more, bringing energy, imagination, and camaraderie to every round. She also served on the U.S. Golf Association's course-rating team, held leadership roles in the Montana State Women's Golf Association, and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1999.

A Sharp Mind and a Playful Spirit
Linda enjoyed her bridge club, where strategy, humor, and clever banter filled the table. She worked daily crossword puzzles, delighted in brain teasers, and loved any friendly competition - as long as there was laughter and connection.

An Eye for Beauty and a Gift for Creating It
Linda loved theater, live music, and art. After taking a pottery class at Eastern Montana College, she joined the Black Tulip Pottery Studio, where she created elegant bowls, beautiful teapots, and more. She became a skilled photographer, capturing images of the Northern Lights, a solar eclipse, and Montana's natural beauty.
Her creativity also showed in stained glass, macramé, handmade purses, and the craft fairs she helped organize. Her home reflected her artistic touch - full of color, art, and personality. Holiday decorations, like her decoupage Santas and her daughters' Halloween costumes, were full of charm and imagination.

An Adventurous Spirit
Linda had a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out). She loved traveling, meeting people, and trying new things. Favorite trips included visits to Slovenia and Sayulita, Mexico. She couldn't sit still - always on the go, ready for one more round, one more story, one more laugh.

Friendship: One of Linda's Greatest Joys
Linda loved spending time with friends - from golf trips and bridge nights to long talks, theater outings, and spontaneous adventures. One of the last things she said was, "I have the best group of friends."
Her circle spanned every stage and season of her life - childhood, college, golf, pottery, and beyond - and she cherished each friendship as a true gift. She connected with people easily and could strike up a conversation with anyone, often having them laughing within minutes. Her quick wit, sense of humor, and storytelling made time with her joyful and unforgettable.
Linda will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Family
Linda is survived by her husband, John; her three daughters; her grandchildren; her sisters, Judy and Mary; and her brother, Matt.
She joins her parents and brothers, Frank and Bobby, who preceded her in death.