Linda Higham Thomson

Linda Higham Thomson passed away in Orem, Utah, on Friday, January 16, 2026, in the care of her loving family. Her last week of life was filled with many visits from her family and friends, and she will be terribly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Born to Francis Cope Higham and Violet Farr Higham on August 29, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Linda lived a life defined by faith, resilience, gratitude, creativity, and love. She was raised with three brothers and two sisters—Sharyn, Frank Jr., Merrill, Leslie, and Doug—in a home grounded in service and devotion to Jesus Christ. Her parents’ example, especially her mother’s strength and creativity, greatly shaped the woman she became.

As a child, Linda loved the outdoors, storytelling, and family activities. At age ten she became paralyzed and spent six months in the hospital, an experience that deeply influenced her compassion, optimism, and gratitude. Despite physical challenges, she excelled academically and in leadership. She attended high school in Oakland, California, where she served as student body vice-president and led a service club that raised funds for the children’s hospital where she had been a patient.

Linda received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Dramatic Arts from Brigham Young University, where she served as president of the ASW (Associated Women Students). Through her involvement in student government, she met William Douglas Thomson, the love of her life. Linda and Bill were married January 29, 1964, in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Together they raised five children: Elise, John, Kirstin, Amy, and Michael. Their early years as parents were spent in Utah, Florida, Texas, and California, and they ultimately laid down roots in Orem/Provo, Utah, where Linda lived the rest of her life.

Linda was a devoted wife and mother, a compassionate caregiver, and a gifted writer. She ran a successful wholesale distribution business for faith-based media and was a published author of poetry, song lyrics, and novels, including Saturday’s Warrior and Star Child. Writing was a lifelong passion.

She faced significant health challenges throughout her life, including a pulmonary embolism during childbirth, countless surgeries and hospital visits, and living with a body that caused her significant pain. She also endured a divorce which she considered her greatest trial. Through it all, she chose faith in Jesus Christ, forgiveness, positivity, and gratitude. Her greatest joy was her family, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored.

Linda's life message was simple: love generously, be kind, forgive freely. She approached life with a quick wit and a sense of humor that endeared her to so many. She was grateful for her life and proud of the family she helped build. More than anything, she chose to love everyone.

She is preceded in death by her sweetheart, Bill, her parents (Frank and Violet), brother (Frank Jr.), grandson (Tanner), great-grandsons (Luke and Logan), and great-granddaughter (Brynn). She is survived by: her siblings Sharyn Larsen, Merrill Higham, Leslie Callahan, and Doug Higham; her children (and their spouses) Elise (Kevin) Kunz, John (Tiffani) Thomson, Kirstin (Cory) Nilsson, Amy (Daniel) Hixson, and Michael (Amy) Thomson; 47 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren who hope to carry on her legacy of kindness, optimism, and love.

Services are under the care and direction of Olpin Family Mortuary in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family at olpinmortuary.com.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Edgemont 9th Ward chapel, 4300 North Canyon Road, Provo, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing before the service at the church from 9:00 - 10:45 AM. The interment will follow in the American Fork City Cemetery.