Linda Lee May

Linda Lee May passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 18, 1946, in Grangeville, Idaho, to Mary and Hubert Sewell. Linda spent nearly 40 years as a Realtor and was proud to be part of Bill Jordan & Co. Real Estate in Redmond, Oregon. She especially loved helping first-time homebuyers and felt honored to share in such an important milestone in their lives. Her kindness, warmth, and genuine care for others made her deeply loved by clients, coworkers, and friends alike. She was also a proud volunteer with Central Oregon Veterans Outreach (COVO), a cause especially meaningful to her because of her father Hubert’s service in the Army during World War II. In recent years, Linda often baked cookies to deliver to veterans and staff, a simple but heartfelt gesture that reflected her generosity and care. She spoke often of her dad with pride, especially of his service to our country and the beautiful jewelry he lovingly made for her and the family. Linda was cherished by many wonderful friends throughout Central Oregon. She also held a deep love for her hometown of Riggins, Idaho, where she graduated from Salmon River High School in 1964 as part of a class of just 19 students. Over the past decade, she was grateful to spend more time there with childhood friends and family she loved dearly, and she bought property so she could return often to the place that always felt like home. Her faith was an important part of Linda’s life and guided the way she loved and cared for others. As a devoted Christian, she cherished the friendships and encouragement she found through Journey Church in Bend and her Women’s Bible Study. She also believed strongly in spiritual guidance for her grandchildren and found great joy in supporting Young Life and the faith community surrounding them. Linda is survived by her daughter Sherry Esau, Sherry’s husband, Tim, and their daughters, Avery and Hallie; and her daughter Tege Sauer, Tege’s husband, Brandon, and their children, Katavia and Blake. She is also survived by her sister Karen Noble and Karen’s husband, Lenn; her niece, Keelyn; her great-nephew, Suede; and Suede’s children, Valencia and Kawliga. She also leaves behind her beloved pup, Moxie. Linda will be remembered for her generosity, her deep friendships, her steadfast faith, and the love she poured into her family and community. Memorial services will be held in Bend, Oregon, on Friday, August 7, and in Riggins, Idaho, on Sunday, September 6. Please contact the family or Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home for additional details. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to either of the following organizations: Dale Ebel Ministries Website: daleebel.org Phone: 503.967.4547 Email: dale@daleebel.org Central Oregon Veteran’s and Community Outreach (COVO) Website: covo-us.org Phone: 541.383.2793 Email: covo@covo-us.org Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home was honored to handle the arrangements.

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Linda Lee May

July 18, 1946 - May 12, 2026