Linda Grange

She came from a farming family so knew many local farmers and

understood agriculture, which were regarded as her strengths when she went to work for the NFU in Otley.

She enjoyed a good rapport with the farmers who liked to talk to her, and she was good at listening.

Having qualified at Harrogate Technical College as a shorthand typist she was initially secretary to Michael Rhodes, who was NFU group secretary for Wharfedale, Bradford and Bingley area, which was based at the then office in Otley.

But as new technology was introduced she became more of an

administrator until she retired in 2000 at the same time as Mr Rhodes.

She then worked for Morrisons until two years ago.

Mrs Grange was one of three children brought up on Brocklands Farm, at Riffa, near Pool-in-Wharfedale, and it was through her brother William Keighley – known to his family and friends as Willie - that she met, and subsequently married her husband Tom Grange.

He and Mr Keighley were then in partnership as agricultural contractors in Pool-in-Wharfedale where Mr and Mrs Grange lived for more than 30 years, although Mr Keighley later left to farm at Castley.

Mrs Grange is survived by her husband, her three children, Brian, who works for the family business, Dawn, and Christopher and five

grandchildren.