A kind friend  / Mindy Schmitz (Fellow teacher/friend )
I will always be thankful to Linda, (and many others) who made me feel welcome when I was brand new to Cambridge and to teaching.  She was always ready with a smile and an encouraging word and that meant so much to me as the new kid on the block.  Her kindness made the world a better place. Close

Dinner Buddies  / Jack Johnson (Christian brother and friend )
I first got to know Linda when she volunteered to be in our church play.  I was the grouchy diner owner and she was my gum chewing, wise cracking waitress.  Wwe hit it off great and I became friends with Bill and Linda.  When Bill, and then Mike, passed away, God laid it on my heart to "take care" of this widow.  We started a Tuesday night dinner group.  If Linda was in town, she was there.  We were a rowdy bunch and was told that on more than one occaision from waitresses and managers.  She became a very dear friend to Loretta and me.  We will miss her but know that we will spend eternity with her in heaven.  And it will be very organized and she will be cooking already. Close

Good bye sweet friend Linda  / Lois Morrison (1966 classmate & friend for life )

Linda & I went way back to Chilhowee Class of 1966 where we were cheerleaders and great buds.  Never a dull moment when Linda was around, always laughing and cheerful.  Our class had the great opportunity yesteryears and current of being very close knit & our reuinions won't  be th same w/her gone.  We all said many prayers over the last few yrs for her & with her.  God bless you girl, you will always be with us.

Lois Morrison

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Our Cambridge Tribute  / Cambridge Oldies (Friends)
There are too many wonderful memories of Linda’s years as a teacher to put them all down, but here are some highlights…

She cared so much about her “kiddoes” and saw each child as an individual. No matter the outer behavior or appearance she saw the potential and worked to draw it out. She became so close to her students’ parents that she called them by their first name and they reciprocated. Her classroom was always open for observation and she shared her wealth of materials with any who needed them.

She gave a little Christmas program for many years where her students sang songs and recited poetry. Linda had them so well prepared that she would nod and they would proceed without need of any further help or prompting from her.

One year she had a particularly talkative bunch. She put cardboard barriers around three sides of each child’s desk. When one child brought pictures of his family she realized a teaching moment and from then on each child had an “office”. She made a discipline into a privilege and they LOVED it!

She had a rapier wit and could think of an appropriate come back faster than anyone. When a little first grader would comment about the fun they were having in 1st grade she would reply, “We don’t have any fun in second grade.” Of course they found out differently when they made it to the second grade, but she had them fooled for a little while.

Once she and Della were on their way down town to a teacher’s convention and they got hopelessly lost. After driving around, ending up in the wrong parking garage and becoming more and more frustrated they saw a sign on Macy’s that shouted, “Welcome Teachers!”. They parked, went in and had a lovely time shopping….

It appeared that nothing daunted Linda’s fun or enjoyment in teaching and learning! It was without a doubt that she took her job seriously, but that didn’t mean that she couldn’t have fun, too. With a wink and a nod she was ready for anything…to singing and dancing at our all school talent shows, to contributing to Christmas get-togethers, to hanging out with teacher buddies, to being there to support us in down times and ALWAYS sharing good thoughts, prayers, and kind thoughts for whatever came our way! So this is a tribute to our “Indian Maiden”.

We love you Linda,

Your Cambridge Family
Your Belton School District #124 Friends
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2nd Grade Bathroom Buddies  / Julie Smith (Cabridge Oldies Group )

Linda and I shared a bathroom in-between our two rooms at Cambridge. We would watch each others classrooms whenever we needed too!Linda was an excellent teacher, friend, and inspiration to all who worked with her. Linda always made me laugh and see things in a positive light. Especially when Linda would bring out her huge spray bottle for the smell to go away in the go-between bathroom. Heaven has you now but one day we will see you again and laugh like we did many years ago. I love you and will miss you very much.

Julie Smith

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My Boosim Buddy  / Karen Hancock (Friend)

Linda was the 2nd grade teacher down the hall to me for years as we taught at Cambridge Elementary.  We became "boosim buddies" as she was diagnosed with breast cancer just as I was finishing my own treatment.  We shared phone calls and e-mails as she bravely faced her treatment.  She was such an inspiration to me!!  Most of our conversations would end with her sweet voice saying thanks for calling me kid!  Well Linda I will miss you Kid!  Love to you always!

Karen Hancock

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My sister from different parents  / Sherry Norfleet (My Dear Friend )

Linda was a sister to me even though we had different parents...

We met in college where she sat in the front of the class and studiously took notes and I sat in the back and flirted with the guys.  There's been little change in that dynamic over the years, but it worked for us.

If you knew Linda you KNEW Linda.  She was what she was...no falseness to her.  I loved how she would set me straight when I needed it but she loved me anyway.

We shared much laughter, a few tears, and grew closer through all circumstances.

I hold tight to her words when she learned the cancer was in her brain; "Either the radiation will work, I'll come home and be fine or it won't, I'll go home and be fine."  She's home with Bill, her parents, brothers, and her many pets that went before her.

See you when I go home,

Sherry

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My friend  / Sandy Clutter (Friend, fellow teacher )

Linda has been my friend for over 35 years. I first met her while I was working at A&P in Belton.  I was putting myself through college and Linda became one of my customers.  I told her I was going to school to become a teacher and that I had 65 hours of observations to do.  She invited me into her classroom and I was able to see in action what I was learing about in my college classes.  I did my student teaching at Cambridge, came to work there later and our freindship blossomed.  I was the witness at her marriage to Bill, Linda and I went on a Hawaiin cruise a few years ago, and I got to spend time with her this past year on our "girls nights" at her house.

I am deeply saddened and miss her terribly.  I know the value of her love and friendship and I only hope I can live up to it, pass it on to others, and see her again someday.

Please accept my sincerest words of condolences, I know the family has a huge hole in thier hearts.  Linda was one exceptional lady and will be dearly missed by many, many people.

Sandy

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Loving Teacher  / Lynette Bloom (Fellow Cambridge Teacher )
Linda was a very loving, giving teacher to her students and fellow teachers, too.  This was her gift.  She was my friend and will be greatly missed. Close

Cambridge Oldies group  / Sally Lowderman (teacher friend )

Linda was a special person, full of life and so caring.  She new how to make you laugh.  She will be greatly missed.

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Excellent Teacher and Mentor  / Dave Denny (teacher-friend)

Linda was an excellent teacher and cared so much for those lucky Cambridge children!  I was a young teacher when I joined that super staff, and Linda was one of the many very helpful and friendly teachers that helped me immensely.  Like Joan said, it was a very special group and school.  I am retired now, but never experience another school with that closeness where it felt like everyone was working together, and Linda was a big part of that.

Linda and I also worked together during a couple of the summers (mowing grass on the tractors) and I always knew that I could count on her as a friend.  Before I left and moved to another district for my coaching, I got to see Bill and Linda enjoy each other and live life to the fullest.  It was easy to see that they were happy!   My deepest sympathy to Linda's family. 

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We Cambridge teachers will all miss you, Linda.  / Joan Shields (fellow teacher and friend )
Linda was a terrific Cambridge teacher. She was loved by students and fellow teachers alike. Linda and her buddy Sherry kept us in stitches year after year. I was moved on to two other schools (no one ever wants 6th graders in their building) but never again found the loving school family atmosphere that I had known at Cambridge. In retirement, no one could keep up with Linda's travel schedule. Her life has been cut short but she packed in a lot of miles into retirement. Linda will be most remembered by me as a kind, smart, fun, and trusted friend. Close

We will miss you  / Debbie Rearick (Friend)
Linda was a wonderful teacher and a great weight watcher friend.  She will be missed greatly. Close

Beloved Sister  / Carolyn Bradbury (Sister)
My wonderful sister through all the chemo therapy and surgeries you stayed positive and hopeful. In the end the cancer was too much. I could not accept it until the end. I will miss you my friend. The loneliness and pain may never end. Only time and God can ease the terrible pain in my heart. My sister and my friend, I love you so much... Close

Christmas Presents  / Dustin Schroer (Nephew)
It seems like for a few christmas there, Linda made everyones presents out of Wood or what not. At the time, i never understood the simple act of giving someone something from the heart as Linda was doing, but now i wish i could get just one more Wooden snowman. Close

My Dear Aunt  / Becky Carter (Niece)
My dear sweet Aunt... I will always cherish your handcrafted gifts and your many acts of kindness. I will love you forever. Close

Iwill miss you dearly  / Sharon Schroer (sister)
I will miss you now and forever You will always be in my heart my dear sister and my best friend. Close

Special Aunt  / Rusty Bradbury (nephew)
I will always remember Linda's kindness and generosity. She never forgot a birthday or failed to go out her way to do something nice for me, my wife, or my children. We all loved her very much and will miss her dearly... Close