We are sad to announce the passing of our mother, Linda Caroline (Gooden) Thomas, 74 of Dunseith, ND. Linda died peacefully surrounded by family on November 29th, 2023, in Belcourt, ND. Wake services for our mother, will be @ St. Michaels the Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith @ 4 pm on December 5th, 2023. Funeral services for her will be the following day starting at 10 am. A meal to follow at the city hall in Dunseith.

Linda was born on February 3, 1949, the daughter of Emil Gooden Sr and Leona (Villneauve) Gooden. She was the eldest of six sisters and three brothers. They lived in various places throughout North Dakota, but her home was in Dunseith, ND. Linda had four biological children of her own, she raised a granddaughter, Farrah Gooden, from birth and years later she took on the mother role to Qiarrah Cromwell and Haiden Cromwell.

Our mom made a living out of doing something that she loved, caring for others! She worked for many years as a CNA at the Dunseith Nursing Home until her retirement in 2005. In 1988, trusting her friend to go on a blind date, she met the love of her life, Bernard Thomas. They later married and made their home north of Belcourt. Bernard unexpectedly died in 1993, she never remarried.

Our mom was the "backbone" of the family. She could be admired for so much, especially for her ability to care for so many on so little. Her siblings looked up to her. Her nieces and nephews she had a relationship with each one. She was a doting grandma. Her grandbabies were extra special to her, and she was just as special to them. She was very much involved in all their lives and would talk to them daily. She was so proud of their accomplishments she could often be heard boasting about them.

Pall bearers for our beloved mother; Earol Dale Gooden, Errol Brandon Gooden, Devin Hartford, Raymond Owens, George Houle and Ryan Houle. Honorary Pall Bearer; Her grandson, Earol (DJ) Gooden, Jr. Readers; Briana Page and Elizabeth Azure; Gift bearers;Tom Lauinger and LaCoya Hartford; Music by Craig Lunday

Linda is survived by her children, Carolyn Gooden of Belcourt ND, Earol Dale (Michelle) Gooden of Salt Lake City, UT and Gailian (Collin) Belgarde of Dunseith, ND. Her siblings; Emil Gooden Jr of Rugby ND, Dorothy Miller of Fargo ND, Barbara Davis of Billings MT, Glanda Gooden of Fargo ND, Debbie Ann Meng of Sioux Falls SD, Brenda Gooden of Fargo ND and Eric Gooden of Rolla ND. Her grandchildren; Carletta Azure, Briana Page, Farrah Gooden, Earol (DJ) Dale Gooden Jr, Dylan Gooden, Maricio Gooden, LaCosta Gooden, LaCoya Hartford, Devin Hartford, Lydia Azure, Elizabeth Azure, Ethan Azure, Carter Page, twins; Zane and Zuri Keplin, Janae Keplin, Winston Page, Sylas St. Claire, Qiarrah Cromwell, Haiden Cromwell, Jaydah Decoteau, Jamison Decoteau, Olivia Azure, Brooklyn Azure, twins; Gwen and Gia Azure, Andreas Hartford,Emilio Gooden, Sophia Alred and Trenton Anderson; numerous nieces and nephews and a special aunt, Jeannie Villneauve; Linda is preceeded in death by; her parents; brother, Errol Gooden; her son, Erion Peltier, granddaughters; Lorica Gooden and Hailey Cromwell; paternal and maternal grandparents, numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Linda will be laid to rest, at St. Marys cemetery next to her son, Erion.

On behalf of our mother, we would like to thank you all for your prayers, and all the love shown to us…so greatly appreciated.