Linda Faye Vandever of Fort Towson, OK was born on August 19, 1943 to Lawson and Georgie Key. She went to be with the Lord on March 11, 2023 at the age of 79. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Ellen and her husband William.

Linda married William Vandever on July 2, 1959, in Fort Towson and had three children, Pam Waugh, Misty Mills and Brock Vandever.

Linda worked as a nurse faithfully serving Choctaw County for more than 25 years. She was beloved by everyone she encountered, making sure people felt seen and heard. She was gifted with compassion and hospitality and she bestowed those gifts on everyone she met. She rarely forgot a name or face, a skill which helped those in her care feel that they mattered. Her kindness and care has touched too many to count throughout Choctaw County and the surrounding areas.

She served as OYRA secretary for many years while her kids were in rodeo and was an active part in providing a space where kids could accomplish their goals and dreams in the rodeo circuit, all the while upholding her family heritage in rodeo. She always wanted everyone to feel included, often surprising people with birthday cakes or encouragement right when they needed it the most. She was known to many as a second mom and granny because of her deep love for people.

Linda loved her family fiercely and taught them how to love others as themselves, give generously and respect those around them. She was the most supportive person, whether it was through a kind word or by going to an event for her family. Linda expressed great pride in her kids, grandkids and great grandkids for even the smallest thing.  Her willingness to listen, nurture and support her family knew no bounds. She was everyone's biggest and most ardent fan. Her love for decoration and crafting was immense and she could often be found decorating at the school, around town or at a wedding with her friend Dona Trapp.

More than any of these things, Linda loved the Lord. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Fort Towson and served for many years later in life as a Sunday School teacher. She loved teaching kids about Jesus and seeing them grow in their understanding of God. She participated in camp, vacation bible school and as an active member in her own Sunday school class. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Linda is survived by her three children; daughters, Pam Waugh and husband, Jody of Tuskahoma, OK, and Misty Mills of Fort Towson, OK and son, Brock Vandever and wife, Polly of Pinckneyville, IL; grandchildren: Dustin Palmer and wife Sherry, Jody Waugh and wife Christina, Dawnya Brockman and husband Randall, Wendy Simmons, Darrell Palmer and wife Misty, Legend Mills and wife Andrea, and Miles Vandever; great-grandchildren: Twine Palmer, Memree Hatcher, Shyla Hatcher, Calvin Palmer, Eldon Palmer, Alonzo Mills,  Breylnn Roberts, Slate Knight, Remington Knight, Preston Black, Bradley Simmons, Braxton Chumley, Brett Clay, Chase Parent and Brooklyn Simmons; great-great-grandson, Henry Parent; along with many extended family, friends and loved ones.