Linda Kay Standley Wallace

1944 - 2014

Wallace, Linda Kay Standley Hatzenbuehler Linda Kay Standley Wallace passed away on April 29, 2014 from pulmonary fibrosis. She was at home surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing. She was born in Dallas on October 24, 1944 to Collins Chaddick Standley and Ruth Elizabeth Anderson Standley. Linda was a descendent of the Anderson and Swaffer families who were pioneers in the Garland, Rose Hill and Mesquite areas. After graduating from Mountain View College and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas, she became a teacher and counselor for the Texas Commission for the Blind. She worked with clients who were both blind and deaf. She felt it was her most gratifying professional position and spoke nationally on related issues. She worked as a paralegal for Richards, Harris and Medlock and later for Jenkins and Gilchrist. In her early years, she was a political activist, working on the presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention that year. She was a champion for women's rights and equality. The only regret she expressed was that she did not live long enough to see a woman elected as President of the United States. Her political choices were based on an individual candidate's platform, record and ability rather than party affiliation. Much of her time for the last 15 years was spent in artistic endeavors, working mostly with ceramics and glass. She attended several art retreats each year, returning with what became her trademark saying, "This was the best one ever." Over the years, she received many awards for her work in ceramics. Linda will be remembered for her incredible strength and courage, her honesty and integrity, and her joyful and positive outlook on life. After being diagnosed with a terminal illness, she developed an interesting perspective on death. She declared that if she could not make dying fun, then she was not going to do it. She decided to embrace the process incorporating her somewhat unique sense of humor at every opportunity. When asked if she was afraid of dying, she would answer, "No, but I am not ringing the doorbell." She was strong in her faith and was certain of her final destination. She believed that parents should teach their children not just how to live, but also how to die. Linda was open about her condition and what to expect throughout the process. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her beloved husband, Paul D. Wallace, DDS. She is also survived by her daughters Janie Hatzenbuehler, Joi Hatzenbuehler, and Anna Parson; grandchildren Annie Phelan, Megan Adams (Brett), Colin Binion (Sarah), Garron Parson and Hope Parson; great-grandchildren Audra Bradley and Kirsten DeLoach; sisters Marita Greer (Bill), Anita Harris (Neil), Chadda Caperton (Ves), and Kyla Reader; sister-in-law Cheryl Reames (Waverly) cousins Sandra Keith and Eula Crumpley; best friend of 42 years Carol Christopher along with other family and friends. Linda and her family express their sincere appreciation to her gifted and caring team of physicians, Doctors Louis Nardizzi, Gary Weinstein, Craig Glazer, David Minna, Glen Heckman, Alfred Johnson; Physician Assistant Tyonn Barbera; Home Care Assistant Minerva Cervantes, and Home Health Companion Adrian Boyd. Special thanks to the members of New World United Methodist Church along with family and friends who provided endless support throughout her final adventure. As she was greatly loved, she will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held at New World United Methodist Church, 5134 Northwest Highway, Garland, TX 75043 on Saturday, May 03, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with graveside immediately following at Hillcrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org, 888-733-6741, National Women's History Museum, www.nwhm.org, 703-461-1920, or the charity of your choice.