Linda Uellner

March 27, 1947 - June 9, 2012

UELLNER, Linda The measure of life is not the number of years, but how those years are lived. In that respect, Linda Uellner lived an incredibly full life, continually influencing others with her generosity, ingenuity, compassion, and unconditional love. Linda was born to James and Floella Downs on March 27, 1947, in Millington, TN. A self- proclaimed Navy brat, her favorite childhood memories were of living abroad in Naples, Italy, and time spent with her brothers on the Potomac in Tall Timbers, MD. Linda attended Carpinteria High School in the early 60's. Following graduation, she married and had two daughters with Michael Franklin. When the marriage ended, she lost a husband, but gained custody of the Franklin clan. The true love of Linda's life was sparked by a dead battery. She met Shell station owner Robert Uellner, who fell in love with her and her girls. Linda and Bob married in 1977. Their son was born 5 years later. Linda has been active in the Montecito business community for the last 40 years as co-owner of Coast Village Shell and, more recently, Coast Village Chevron and Olive Mill 76. She served as an officer and member of the Coast Village Business Association for many years and regularly sponsored fundraising activities in Montecito. Although Linda will be remembered for her many attributes, most inspiring was the fortitude with which she faced metastatic breast cancer. Always cheerful, always optimistic, she endured years of chemotherapy with grace and determination. Even as the cancer progressed, she continued to give of herself, bringing friends together for parties, planning family events, and spending time with loved ones, including a trip to Disneyland with her granddaughters. Linda passed away at her Santa Barbara home on Saturday, June 9th, at age 65. She is survived by her husband, Robert Uellner; daughter Veronica (Tom) DeCoster; son Brian Uellner; granddaughters Kelsey and Ainslea DeCoster; brothers William (Johnita) Downs and Patrick (Jill) Downs; brother-in-law William Uellner; honorary siblings Cathy (Rick) Closson, John Franklin, Betty Franklin, and Barbara (Dan) Thomas; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends, all of whom she considered her extended family. She was preceded in death by her daughter Michelle in 1984. Linda's life will be celebrated at Montecito Country Club on July 1, 2012, between 7:00 and 10:00 p.m. Memories of Linda may be posted at www.linda.uellner.muchloved.com. The family wishes to thank the doctors and phenomenal nursing staff at the Cancer Center, as well as the visiting nurses from Hospice for their compassionate care during Linda's final months.