Obituary of Linda S. Harpster

Linda S. Harpster, 72, of Freehold Township died on October 22, 2020 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Linda was preceded in death by Chuck Hillegas, the love of her life as well as her brother-in-law, Alan Bosman. She was also predeceased by her parents, Lynn and Eva Harpster of East Grand Forks, MN and is survived by her siblings, Sandy (Dan) Samson, Grand Forks, ND, Barb Harpster, Grand Forks, ND, Bev Bosman, Moorhead, MN, ad David Harpster, Jamestown, ND as well as her nieces and nephews. Linda graduated high school from East Grand Forks, MN and had a lifelong love of horses, reading, history and learning. After high school, she attended the Pacific Coast Equestrian Research Farm and School of Horsemanship in California which was a 9-month residential school for riding instruction owned by Linda (Tellington-Jones) and Wentworth Tellington. She worked with racehorses and this is where she met Chuck Hillegas. They were together many decades until his death in 2016. They both had a love for horses and he lovingly took care of her when she became disabled. She and Chuck previously took care of and raced horses at Meadowlands Race Track and Freehold Raceway. Linda also worked at Rick's Saddle Shop and often spoke of the kindness extended to her during her time working there. She attended Brookdale Community College and Monmouth University graduating in medical laboratory science which she worked in this field for a short time. Before her illness, Linda enjoyed running and was a member of the Freehold Area Running Club and was Runner of the Year in 1987. Linda and Chuck had amazing special friends, Peter and Doreen Guilfoyle for many decades and were so very thankful for their friendship and all Peter and Doreen did for them. Linda moved into the Kershaw Commons in 2011 which provided many opportunities allowed her to live to her fullest independence. She met many wonderful friends there. Linda had many wonderful people who helped her; both residents and individuals in healthcare. Special thanks from Linda's family to Nurse Pam and the many people who cared for Linda. Linda enjoyed volunteering in the library.