Linda Elaine Buckingham, 80, formerly of Benson, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the St. Cloud Hospital. Funeral Service will be Friday, May 1, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Saint Francis Catholic Church in Benson with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Linda Elaine (Cusick) Buckingham, 80, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the St. Cloud Hospital due to respiratory complications. Linda was born to Lee and Inez (Adams) Cusick on April 26, 1934 in Vermillion, South Dakota. She grew up on her family farm in Burbank, South Dakota where she attended country school. She then attended high school in Vermillion. In 1951, she was united in marriage to Thomas J. Buckingham. Together they raised four children and lived in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa before settling in Benson in 1960. She is survived by her children: Linda Glee Buckingham, Gwen (Steve Howlett) Buckingham, Gregory (Carol) Buckingham and Christopher (Diane) Buckingham; five grandchildren: Kerry (Ben) Niles, Carly and Alexa Buckingham, Dylan and Brett Buckingham; and her brother, Laddy (Mona) Cusick. Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Buckingham and her parents. Linda enjoyed spending time outdoors in the sunshine, especially gardening and watching the hummingbirds in her feeders. She loved visits from her grandchildren and reuniting with old friends. And although she would never admit it, her cooking and baking skills were superb. Linda touched the hearts of many and will be greatly missed.
