Linda Rosenlof

In loving memory of Linda Rosenlof

Guileless is a word the loved ones of Linda Rosenlof would use to describe her because her actions during her exemplary life aligned with her attributes of integrity, responsibility, loyalty, patience, forgiveness, kindness, and selfless service. Linda -- a beloved wife, mother, sister, niece, cousin, friend, and co-worker -- passed away peacefully at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center during the evening of January 10, 2025, surrounded by members of her immediate family, who were also her tender and attentive caregivers in her final days. Linda was 72 and left us far too soon.

Linda was born January 2, 1953, in Tokyo, Japan, where her parents – Armand Lind Mauss and Ruth Elinor Hathaway Mauss – were serving in the U.S. military. But she spent most of her childhood in Walnut Creek, California, and Logan, Utah – assuming the role of best pal of her big brother Mikey and the protective big sister to her six younger siblings. In her youth, Linda was a force to be reckoned with: a confident leader and athlete with a competitive streak and a dutiful daughter who helped her mother with a family business. In high school she became an accomplished flautist and vocalist, often lending her talents in worship services for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), of which she was a lifelong member.

After living in Pullman, Washington, for her last two years of high school and a year of college at Washington State University, Linda left for Southern California in 1972 and started her career as a bookkeeper for local businesses. In Long Beach, she met Larry Rosenlof, whom she married in 1977 at the Los Angeles temple of the LDS church.

Linda and Larry welcomed two children – both boys – in 1978 and 1981. Determined to raise responsible and upright sons with her husband, Linda rose to the occasion time and time again in the roles of mother, teacher and taskmaster. She instilled in her sons the importance of a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility, guiding them both to earn good grades in school as well as the rank of Eagle Scout. She also modeled integrity and the importance of honoring commitments as a diligent employee of the local school district, where she worked in the payroll department for more than 20 years. Additionally, Linda managed to serve faithfully on the PTA and earn her associate of arts degree when the boys were in their youth. She was closely involved in their lives, paying careful attention to the friendships they established.

In her spare time, Linda enjoyed gardening, doll collecting, reading both mystery and romance novels, as well as watching true crime shows and the news on TV. Linda also gained a constant sense of satisfaction serving her church over the years in a variety of callings, including choir director, children’s Sunday school president, young women’s counselor, and the women’s service organization (known as the Relief Society). But her favorite calling – and one of her greatest joys – was as a Sunday school teacher for children.

Linda is survived by her dutiful husband of 47 years, Larry Rosenlof; her loving sons John Rosenlof (Kristi) and Eric Rosenlof (Alisha); her grandchildren Laura and Aaron; and her adoring siblings (collectively known as “the G-8”): Anne Mauss (widow of Linda’s older brother Mike), Lottie Hobbs (Ron), Matt Mauss (Lyn), Eric Mauss, Steve Mauss (Rebecca), Byron Mauss (Deborah) and Ed Mauss (Aimee). She also leaves behind 21 admiring nieces and nephews as well as their 24 children; her uncle Gordon Mauss (Barbara) and her aunt Peggy Eliason; cousins Susan Eliason, Carol Nibley, John Mauss (Cheri), David Mauss (Rachel), Marcus Mauss, Troy Mauss, and Christina Abou-Chalha (Walid); and numerous cousins on her mother’s side of the family. Linda was preceded in death by her brother Mike, who passed away in 2023, and her sister-in-law Shawn (Eric’s wife) who passed away in 2022; Linda’s parents – Armand and Ruth Mauss -- finished their mortal sojourns in 2020 and 2018, respectively.

Family was everything to Linda. She considered her immediate family and her siblings to be her closest friends, and doted on her grandchildren. All of her family will remember Linda for her calm demeanor, humility, constant encouragement, and regular praise for their achievements. She cherished family gatherings both big and small, when she could share her delightful dry wit and her infectious laugh. She will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (6500 E. Atherton St. Long Beach, CA 90815) from 3:00pm - 5:00pm on Saturday, February 8th to share stories and memories of Linda and to visit and honor her memory. In lieu of sending flowers, the family suggests writing a letter or note describing any special memories about Linda for the family to keep.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401