Linda L. Etherton
April 20, 1937 – February 2, 2025
Linda was the youngest of 5 children born to Florence (Bosselman) and John Bader in Palmer, Nebraska. From an early age, she absorbed the pragmatism, humility, and profound Lutheran faith of her German-American ancestors. As a child, she grew up on the family farm, and it was a wonderful life. Her siblings, Eileen (15), Robert (13), Donald (11), and Shirley (8) were quite a bit older than she was, so she often had to entertain herself. She found companionship with a dozen or so cats, naming many of them, a dog named Tucker, sheep, and even a runt pig that she fed with a bottle. She nurtured him until the day her dad sold him and bought her a war bond for her efforts. The only thing she didn’t enjoy was the 1½-mile walk to the country school. She cried sometimes, but quite often, her brother Robert (who spoiled her) would come by in the pickup and give her a ride.
Linda’s dad retired when she was in the sixth grade, and the family moved to the small rural town of St. Paul. Nebraska. She was delighted not to have the long walk to school and was excited at the prospect of meeting new friends. In high school, Linda’s first job was ironing for the neighbor who lived behind her parents, Art and Dorothy Lynch. They managed the Legion Club in St. Paul, and that is where Dorothy assembled the ingredients for Dorothy Lynch Home Style Salad Dressing. Later, as a senior, Linda worked as a waitress at the Legion on weekends. She and her friends often attended dances in Grand Island at the Glovera Ballroom, where they booked all the “big bands.” It was there that she caught the eye of a charming, good-looking admirer, Darrell, who also happened to be a great ballroom dancer. It was love at first sight, and they soon began dating.
After graduation, Linda attended Grand Island Beauty School and obtained her Cosmetology License. Linda and Darrell were married on April 17, 1956. They moved to Wichita, Kansas, where Darrell was employed at Boeing Aircraft working on B-52 bombers. They purchased a nice brick ranch where they raised their two girls. Later, they returned to Grand Island, where they lived until relocating to Omaha in the early 1960s.
After a brief stint in hairdressing, Linda stayed at home and raised their two daughters. When the girls went to school, Linda joined the workforce, working in secretarial roles in the insurance industry, followed by over 20 years as a legal secretary. After retiring in 2012, Linda worked part-time for 2 years for Age Advantage for Seniors and Home Instead. She always enjoyed helping others.
In 1977, Darrell accepted an insurance management job that led them to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they lived for 10 years. They were very active in their church, had lots of great friends, and enjoyed all the outdoor activities that the Land of 10,000 Lakes had to offer. Darrell bought an older boat for fishing and taking evening boating excursions on Lake Minnetonka.
In 1987, Linda and Darrell moved back home to Omaha to be closer to family. Darrell passed in 1994, and Linda was widowed for 30 years.
Linda was energetic, had a zest for life, always stayed busy. She was involved in her church, volunteering, Bible studies, women’s groups, and Bunco, but always made time for her family. She had 5 grandchildren: Lindsay Hollingsworth (Jeff), Lesley Clark (Jeremy), Alex Hook (Mary Clare), Lauren Olson (Derek), and McKenzie Dzuris (Thomas). After her first great granddaughter, Kennedy, was born, she affectionately was given the moniker of “Gigi.” Gigi would tell anyone who would listen that her 10 great-grandchildren were ‘The Joy of Her Life,” and they truly were! She was always their biggest supporter and fan. Gigi was excited to attend sporting events, whether that be hockey, baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, or soccer games, concerts, or birthday parties. Every time they had an achievement to celebrate or one of life’s disappointments, she would show up with an offer of a $10 bill (sometimes a $20), to their delight, of course. There was nothing more important to Linda than the love and support of her family.
Linda was a kind, generous, caring, and compassionate person. She was also known to be a faithful “prayer warrior,” frequently requested to add someone to her prayer list. She kept a meticulous house-she was a renowned cleaner and organizer-and everything had its place, even in the garage. Linda was always willing to lend a hand and be helpful in any way. She was the one who would spring into action right after family gatherings to tackle the job of cleaning the kitchen. She loved the outdoors-beautiful lawns, trees, and flowers-and exploring nature. We will miss Linda and all the nice things she did for others. Most of all, we will miss the goodness, and kindness that were a part of her personality and deep faith.
Linda is survived by her daughters, Roxanne Andrlik {Jim) and Pam Hook (Rick); grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Kennedy Clark, Kellan Clark, Cade Clark, Hudson Hollingsworth, Hayden Hollingsworth, Tallulah Sweet, Marigold Hook, Meadow Hook, Hunter Olson, Jordan Olson; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to King of Kings Church or Least of My Brethren.
VISITATION: Monday, February 10, 2025, 10:00-11:00AM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, followed by CELEBRATION OF LIFE at 11:00AM.
To view a live Broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
4 Comments
My heart and prayers go out to the family. Aunt Linda was an amazing, kind and so much fun Aunt. Her distinct voice always made me fell safe and loved and her beauty was awe inspiring. I will miss her and so glad that we got to have a few lunches together later in life to catch up with her and our cousins. My Mother Shirley, her sister, adored her little sister and would have done anything for her and I know Aunt Linda felt the same about Mother. She will be missed and remembered with often and with great love.
Our thought and prayers extend to Linda’s family and friends. We loved reading her life story and picturing her as a young g girl, a mother, and then a grand and great grandmother. All the love and support she showered on people was surely absorbed by the recipients, and her legacy will live on through her family and friends. Our sincere condolences. Mary Jo & Bill Landis.
I am so very sorry for your loss. She was such an elegant lady and ready to take on the world. She certainly enjoy her family and I know she will be missed
Pam and Roxanne-as a childhood friend of Pam, I remember you Mom as being one of the sweetest people. I also remember every Saturday you girls had to clean the house and occasionally I would help both of you. It was more fun than cleaning at my own house! I also remember your Mom’s love for a pink flocked Christmas tree that was always absolutely beautiful. May the memories of your Mom be forever cherished in your hearts. May God give you peace and comfort now and always.
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