Lynn King

Lynn L. King, 88, of Billings, Montana, passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Sacramento, California, in 1937, Lynn was the only child of Lyle and Louise Thorsteinson. She cherished her childhood summers spent with family at Lake Tahoe. After attending Sacramento State for two years, Lynn graduated from the Stanford University School of Nursing with a B.S.N. in 1960. That same year, she married Dick Ramsey of San Francisco. While Dick completed his PhD in Davis, California, Lynn worked as an office nurse. In 1962, shortly after the birth of their son, Eric, the family moved to Montana, where Dick became an assistant professor at Rocky Mountain College. Two years later, they welcomed their daughter, Kristin.

In the years that followed, Lynn became seriously ill with the disease of alcoholism. At age 31 she became a "friend of Bill W.” and found joyful sobriety, which she maintained for 57 years until her passing. Her recovery sparked a new professional calling; she became a pioneer in Montana’s fledgling chemical dependency counseling field and was among the first to receive state certification. Over a 30-year career, Lynn served the Rimrock Foundation, the Mental Health Center, the Chemical Dependency Center, and in private practice.

In 2000, Lynn married her second love, Richard King. Having come from a small family, she loved being welcomed into the "King Clan," which included five children, 14 grandchildren, and 39 great grandchildren. Lynn and Richard spent 26 years in their home under the Rims, which they remodeled together. They were avid travelers, exploring Europe, Mexico, South America, and the United States.

An enthusiastic cook and reader, Lynn was particularly drawn to books on spirituality. In the winter months, she could be found spinning wool, knitting sweaters, and cheering for her favorite football teams. During the spring and summer, she poured her heart into her garden, "RichLynn Park," where she planted lilies in every border. Lynn loved being in nature, connecting with friends, and facing life’s challenges on "life’s terms." She remained deeply grateful for every day of her sobriety, and the many friends she made in her fellowship, both at home and abroad. Lynn was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Richard King; her son, Eric Ramsey of Billings; her daughter, Kristin Ramsey of Mariposa, California; her grandson, Derek Ramsey of Hood River, Oregon; and her beloved cat, Booboo.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 3rd, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Billings. A Night of Remembrance will take place the evening prior, Wednesday, September 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Pius X reception hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society, PO Box 1075, Billings, MT 59103.