Linda Lou Frei Wells, 88, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026 in Lakeside, Arizona.

Linda was born December 16, 1937 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Fredrick Claude Frei and Jeanette Mae Smith Frei. As an only child Linda would go on to become the center of a large and growing family. She spent most of her life in Arizona where she built a life filled with family, hard work, horses, ranching and many business ventures.

Linda married Odell Long May 7, 1956. During their marriage they welcomed two children, Cindy and Ken.

On June 25, 1960 Linda married David Franklin “Dave” Wells. Dave brought two sons, Dave “DG” and Carl into their marriage. Together Linda and Dave later welcomed twin daughters, Peggy and June, followed by their daughter, Vicky. Linda never thought of their family in terms of “his,” “hers,” or “step.” They were simply her children and together they became the large family she loved so deeply. Linda and Dave were married for nearly 48 years before his passing in 2008.

Linda began her adult life as a homemaker and mother but she and Dave spent much of their marriage working side by side and building businesses together. Their life with horses included Giddi-Up-Go Transportation, a horse transportation business where Linda learned the racetrack business and became involved in owning racehorses. During those years Linda also broke barriers as the first woman CDL truck driver in Arizona, hauling horses and working alongside Dave throughout the racing and horse community. They later operated Wells Ranch Stables and a horse contracting business.

After moving to Show Low Linda and Dave opened the first feed store in Show Low. Over the years they also ran cattle ranches and operated a dump truck and backhoe business. In the 1980’s, they opened Grumpy Dave’s Bargain Barn, where their auction business began. Their love of horses eventually became part of that business as well, with the Arizona Draft Horse Auction.

Linda was strong, hardworking, generous and independent. She was strong-willed, had a sense of humor and was never afraid to speak her mind. She knew how to work hard, take care of what needed to be done and help the people she loved. Above all Linda loved being surrounded by her family.

She also enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing, riding horses and caring for her animals. Her pets held a special place in her heart, especially her beloved dog, Blue.

Later in life, Linda became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a large church family who loved and cared for her for many years. She valued this family very much.

Linda was the mother of seven children, Dave “DG” (Lisa) Wells, Cindy (Roger) Huggins, Ken (Cindy) Long, Carl Wells, Peggy (Les) Krieger, June (James) Coppedge and Vicky Wells.

Her family continued to grow through the generations. Linda was grandmother to 19 grandchildren, David Wells, Chrissy (Eric) Dahlstrom, Michael Thiem, Michele (Jeff) Allan, Matthew (Cindy) Thiem, Debbie Huggins, Violet Huggins, Roger “Bubba” (Brittany) Huggins, Ladonna Huggins, Danny “DJ” Huggins, Sheri (Jose) Cano, Danny Long, Kealey Long, Nicholas Long, Stacy (Joshua) Finch, Scott Chambers, Michael (Vanessa) Huntley, Ray (Ashley) Huntley and Mandy (Taio) Kitchens.

Her family grew even further to include 47 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren, a remarkable legacy for someone who began life as an only child.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Jeanette Frei, her first husband, Odell Long, her husband, David Franklin “Dave” Wells, her son, Carl Wells, her son-in-law, Roger Huggins, her grandsons, Danny “DJ” Huggins and Nicholas Long and one great-grandchild.

A funeral service will be held Friday, August 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Amity building, 576 West School Bus Road, Eagar, Arizona, with visitation one hour prior. Graveside services will follow at Show Low Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. 240 E Adams Show Low, Arizona 85901.

Linda leaves behind much more than the businesses she helped build or the many things she accomplished during her 88 years. She leaves behind generations of family who knew her strength, generosity, determination, humor and love. Her life was full, her family was large and the stories and memories she created will continue to be shared for generations to come.