Linda Bartlett (1960-2019) always dared to follow her dreams, dreams that brought her to the soils of Coupeville, Wash., where for the last 20 years, she nurtured and grew beautiful food, strong community and the next generation of organic farmers at Rosehip Farm.

From Augusta, Me., via Seattle, Wash., Linda was an urban dweller when she got the itch to farm. Linda’s vision prompted her and her spouse, Valerie Reuther, to buy and build Rosehip Farm into one of the first organic vegetable farms in Central Whidbey. Rosehip became a place where people could come to find delicious produce, join in a cider pressing and share a meal and a long laugh.

Friends call Linda the perfect mix of salt of the earth farmer girl and mischievous pixie with a glint in her eye. She served as treasurer of the Coupeville Farmer’s Market, where she helped triple the size of the market. For 10 years, she was the lead organizer of the Harvest Relay that raised $100,000 for the local food bank.

Linda died at home in Coupeville on Nov. 26. She is survived by her wife, mother, two sisters, nieces and nephews, and the posse of young women and men she mentored through her seasons on the farm who call her family.

In lieu of flowers and cards, Linda requested gifts to Coupeville Farm to School. A celebration of Linda’s life will follow in early spring.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com