Former Glenn County resident Barbara Linquist died unexpectedly in her Chico home on Thursday, March 20, 2025. She was born in San Francisco to Louis and Nina Matteucci on February 1, 1951.
She grew up in Orland with her older brother, Michael, and younger sister, Carolyn. She graduated from Orland High School in 1969 and then attended Chaminade College of Honolulu, Hawaii.
She was married to her beloved husband, Randy, for 52 years, sharing a life filled with love, adventure, and countless memories. She and Randy spent 30 years in Willows, where they ran a cattle ranch and raised their children.
She was also a dedicated bookkeeper who was never truly able to hang up the balance sheet, as her meticulous nature and love for detail defined her work.
Outside of her career, she was an avid traveler, exploring the world with Randy by her side. Her passion for adventure took them to countless destinations, from the beaches of Cancun and the streets of Europe to the jungles and deserts of Africa.
Above all, she cherished the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and friends, always with an infectious laugh that could light up a room. A lifelong volunteer, she gave years of service to her community, including working with the CASA organization to advocate for children within the foster care system.
She also traveled with Randy to Vietnam for several years, volunteering with Rotary to help amputees and the local orphanages. Her love, laughter, and selfless spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend who touched the lives of everyone she met.
She is survived by her husband, Randy; sons Tim (Lynda) and Stephen (Marisa); daughter Shannon (Peter); and grandchildren Cody, Tyler, Fritz, Franko, Vera, Maggie, and Maxwell.
If you would like to honor her memory, the family kindly requests donations be made in her name to the CASA program of Butte and Glenn Counties, a cause she was deeply passionate about during her nearly 10 years as a dedicated volunteer. Contributions can be sent to NVCSS CASA, c/o Tina Wolfe, 10 Independence Circle, Chico, CA 95973.
Please note “CASA Incentive Fund” in the memo line. Your support will help continue her legacy of advocating for children in need.
The family was planning on holding private funeral services. Arrangements were entrusted to Brusie Funeral Home.
The Glenn County Observer 