Linda Diane Zierer died at her home in Spearfish on Aug. 25, 2007, following a short illness.

At the time of her death she was pursuing a bachelor's degree in botany at Black Hills State University. She was born in Glendale, Calif., Oct. 4, 1953, and had attended Los Angeles Community College.

Linda was a motorcycle mechanic, and owned and raced motorcycles. She was one of the first women to participate in motocross competition, winning numerous awards. In 1992, she moved to South Dakota from Truckee, Calif., and ranched near Sturgis. She was a master gardener and prized her orchid collection.

She was a member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Deadwood.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters, and is survived by her grandmother, Ramona Suders Chadwick of Santa Monica, Calif., and long-time friend, Barbara Deans of Seminole, Fla.

A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, in Sturgis on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be given to the Linda Diane Zierer Scholarship for non-traditional students.