Linda Marie Walton (Forsythe)

In Loving Memory of Linda Marie Walton (Forsythe):

With heavy hearts and gentle smiles, we say “until we meet again” to a woman of many names and boundless love. Linda Walton, to some, was the cherished “Forsey,” a name mentioned in fond recollection by old friends whose laughter still echoes in the halls of memory. To others, she was the spirited “Dolly,” a beacon of joy who danced through life with an irrepressible sparkle in her eye. But perhaps her most treasured title was “Mom,” “Oma,” or “Doctor Walton.”  Regardless of what we called her, she graced our lives with her warmth, wit, and unwavering compassion, leaving behind an impression that will forever be etched in our hearts.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the West Center Chapel of Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Cutler at 7805 West Center Road. Linda’s wishes were to be cremated. A joyous celebration of life event in which stories, photos, and memories will be shared will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the McWilliams Parish Center of St. Columbkille Catholic Church. 

Linda’s journey began in Carter Lake, Iowa, a place she held dear to her heart. It was there that she learned the value of simple pleasures, the joy of laughter, and the importance of being there for those you love. Her family often joked that “You can take the girl out of Carter Lake, but you can’t take Carter Lake out of the girl.”  She attended Thomas Jefferson High School where she excelled in multiple sports, later joining the trailblazing University of Nebraska at Omaha college softball team, fresh off a College World Series win! In college at UNO, Linda’s path crossed with that of Dave, her steadfast partner in love and laughter for 43 memorable years. Their love story, sparked in a Judo class where Linda’s throw stole Dave’s heart (Dave claims he “flipped” for Linda), was as unconventional as it was enduring. It was a testament to the magic of fate and the power of love. Together, they built a legacy of love and laughter that will echo through the generations.

As a devoted mother to Justine, David, and MacArthur, mother-in-law to Kent and Karen, and “Oma” to her nine adoring grandchildren, Chace, Michael, Joseph, Henry, Ezekiel, Thomas, Katherine, MacKenna, and Winston, Linda’s love knew no bounds. Her selflessness and unwavering support were the bedrock upon which her family flourished; her wisdom, guidance, and humor shaping the family through her signature “Oma-isms,” such as “Rise and shine porcupine.”

Linda’s zest for life extended beyond her family to her lifelong passions, including a 30-year tenure at the United States Postal Service (the family business), in which she took great pride and where she forged friendships, leaving a mark on all who knew her. She often reflected that this choice allowed her to attend all of her kids’ events and be present for her family.

Upon retirement, Linda embraced life with the same vigor and determination, whether she was doting and caring for her grandchildren and her beloved dogs, Snickers and Sparkles, competing in USTA tennis (including making it to USTA Nationals!), Pickleball, or serving as the unofficial “Neighborhood Watch” from her front porch, always with an iced tea (lots of ice!) in hand. She was an avid card player (especially Pinochle), lover of crosswords, Sudoku, and enjoyed thriller movies (always saying “she should have written this,” as she proceeded to guess the plot). Many memorable weekends were spent at the family cabin doing all these activities.

A purveyor of wisdom and wit, Linda’s “Doctor Walton” and “Oma” advice was sought by many, her sayings cherished by all. Her sense of humor and generous heart endeared her to all who knew her, leaving behind a tapestry of memories as vibrant and varied as the life she lived. Ask a family member for their favorite Oma-ism and they each may give you a different answer.

Though she may have left this world, Linda’s spirit lives on in the laughter of her grandchildren, the warmth of her memory, and the love that binds her family together. Throughout her life, she opened her doors for friends and family in need, helping them navigate through tough times. She may have once eaten nine pounds of steak at the buffet, but she leaves behind a feast of memories that will nourish our souls for years to come.

Rest in peace, Mom. Your spirit will forever dance in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know you and your memory will be cherished for all eternity. Until we meet again.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Dave “Opa” or “Honey” Walton; children: Justine (Kent) Garman, David Walton II, MacArthur (Karen) Walton; grandchildren: Michael (14), Joseph (12), Thomas (8), and Katherine (6) Garman, Chace (15) and Henry (9) Walton, and Ezekiel (8), MacKenna (5) and Winston (2) Walton; mother, Lora Forsythe; mothers-in-law, Joyce Byers Oetter and Linda Marie Walton; sister, Diane (Dan) Van Houten; sisters-in-law: Charlotte (J.C.) Sivertson, Debra (Kevin) Kenney, Angela (Nathaniel) Painter, and Christina (David) Conn; as well as countless nephews, nieces, and adored friends and family members.

She was preceded in death by father, Russell Ora Forsythe; father-in-Law, Lester Henry Walton; brothers, Russell Ora Forsythe, Jr. and Craig Martin Forsythe; brother-in-Law, Jimmy Walton.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions in remembrance to the Omaha Benson High Foundation to be earmarked for the boys and girls tennis programs, a sport near and dear to Linda’s heart: Omaha Benson Foundation 1925 N 120th St. Omaha, NE 68154.