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Linda Ann (Wolff) Tilton, 74, of Winterset passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025, surrounded by love, at Kavanaugh Hospice House in Des Moines.
Born on Aug. 1, 1950, in Laurel, Neb., Linda entered the world with a sparkle in her eye and a strong, compassionate spirit. She was the beloved daughter of Leo and Elizabeth “Betty” Tunink Wolff, baptized just days later at St. Mary’s Church in Belden. In 1954, the family moved to Storm Lake — a place where Linda’s vibrant personality began to shine.
Linda was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Storm Lake, class of 1968. She wasn’t just a student — she was a leader and a performer. As drum majorette and captain of the drill team, she marched with pride, energy and undeniable flair. She went on to attend Spencer School of Business, where she earned her secretarial degree in 1969.
Linda’s life was rooted in love and family. She welcomed her first child, Shawn David, in 1972. On Aug. 18, 1978, she married her soulmate, Ronald Wayne Tilton. Together they built a life full of music, laughter, stories and adventure, raising two daughters — Alissa Ann and Tia Marie — while living in Spencer, Storm Lake and ultimately following their dream to settle in Winterset.
Linda had a deep love for rock and roll, dancing like no one was watching, and curling up with a good book. But her greatest passion — and true superpower — was genealogy. She poured her heart into tracing the branches of her family tree, leaving behind an incredible legacy: shelves filled with binders, photographs and stories that stretch across centuries and generations. She was the keeper of history, and her work will continue to connect her loved ones for years to come.
She is survived by her husband and best friend, Ron Tilton of Winterset; her children and grandchildren: Shawn (Jennifer) Severson and children, Caiden, Camryn andJulian of Elkhorn, Neb.; Alissa Tilton and daughter Liz Lyman of Storm Lake; Tia Tilton and her son Deric. Linda also leaves behind her siblings: Mary Niehaus of Storm Lake; Ed Wolff of Kent, Wash.; Bill Wolff of Urbandale; Judy Rewerts of Clive; Norm (Pam) Wolff of Ft. Dodge; and Jean (Jeff) Currie of Windsor Heights; along with a large extended family of nieces, nephews and lifelong friends who adored her.
She was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Leo and Betty; brother Joe Wolff; brothers-in-law, Don Niehaus and George Rewerts; sisters-in-law, Nancy Wolff and Lu Wolff; nephew Jeff Niehaus; niece Rose Niehaus Schettler; and her father-in-law Wayne Tilton.
A celebration of Linda’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, at Winterset Cemetery, 504 S. Fourth St., Winterset. Following the service, all are welcome to gather for food, laughter and stories at the Madison County VFW Post, 116 N. Third St., Winterset.
Linda lived with purpose, danced with joy and left a trail of warmth wherever she went. Her legacy is one of love, strength and family — and she will be dearly missed.
