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Linda Whiting Obituary

Linda Shelley Whiting, 58, a beloved wife, mother and Mormon writer, died Sept. 25, 2006, after a long illness. The Phoenix resident was born Sept. 20, 1948, in Evanston, Ill., and was raised in Mesa, the daughter of Dr. George and Theda Shelley. At age 11, she wrote a school paper on what she wanted to be when she grew up. She already knew. The title read "Why I want to be a writer." In 1970, she graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in journalism then served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colorado and New Mexico. Later she published her first freelance historical feature. More followed through the years. In 2003, her first book was published, "David W. Patten, Apostle and Martyr," a biography of an early Mormon leader. She also co-authored other books. A book of her poetry is in the works. In September 1973, she and her husband, Brent Whiting, were married. She is survived by her husband and their six children, Wendy Cassity, Valerie Ritz, Roger, Carrie, Shelley and Beth, as well as seven siblings, Donald, Marla, Raelene and Mark Shelley, Helen Bang, Mignon Crosby and Mark Adams; and a large extended family. She served faithfully in many church callings, including a ward Relief Society president and family history worker. A memorial service is set for 9:00 am Friday, Sept. 29, at the LDS Church, 15016 N. 39th Ave. Phoenix. Arrangements handled by Phoenix Memorial Park.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Sep. 27, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Linda Whiting

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Cheron Cole

October 4, 2006

To my dear Uncle and cousins:

I'm so sorry that you've had to go through so much, but I'm glad Linda is no longer in pain. As an aspiring journalist, I really admire Linda's passion for writing, and look up to her for all that she has accomplished. You are all in my prayers,and I wish you all the best.

Marsha Ward

October 3, 2006

Dear Brent & Family,

Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your wife and mother. Linda was and is an elect lady, smart, savvy, very warm and loving, and devoted to her family.

I'll never forget the week I spent with her in Utah, doing research, attending LDS Booksellers, and visiting friends and family. It was an awesome experience to get to know her better, even though we had been friends and associates in American Night Writers Association for years, and later, in LDStorymakers, as well.

Take comfort in knowing that she has lived a generous life, and will be waiting for you by and by.

MARSHA HANSON

October 3, 2006

Dear Family,
Was saddened to hear of Linda's passing. I got to know her in the earlier days of the ANWA. She was a fun person and had a charm that drew you to her and her ability to make you enjoy being around her. I know she is busy in her new calling. She will be missed however in the work she was doing here. My thought and prayers are with the family during this time.

Beth Bentley

September 30, 2006

I knew Linda only from Storymakers, but her attitude was a real inspiration. She'll be much missed. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

marcia sayer

September 30, 2006

I'm grateful for the influences of Linda in my life beginning years ago when her determination, commitment and desire to share all that is good were so evident as we served together as missionaries. I will miss the occassional phone calls, her laugh and the annual Christmas letter with pictures and updates on the family she loved, admired and cheers for. All of my best to the family.

Gayla Wise

September 29, 2006

Linda is a great lady, much loved, and much missed.

Roy Bird

September 28, 2006

Cousin Brent and Family,
We're very saddened to hear of your loss. At least we have some pleasant memories, especially of the evening drive through Phoenix you and Linda gave me and Corina a couple of years ago. We're thinking of you in Alaska.

Shirley Bahlmann

September 28, 2006

Since Linda and I both wrote historical books, I couldn't help but admire her intense research methods. She set me straight on a couple of points, and I appreciated her candor and advice. I will miss reading her posts on LDStorymakers. I'm certainly glad she touched my life. (P.S. I saw her in July, and thought her curly hair was very cute, even though she didn't seem to think so!)

Justin Elkins

September 27, 2006

Dear Whiting Family,
My deepest sympathies are with you at this time, but I know that Linda is in a much better place. I always admired Linda for her positive attitude and warm heart. She accomplished a lot with her writings and was very talented. She will be truly missed, but I know that she is now resting peacefully and is with loved ones.

Kerry Blair

September 27, 2006

One of the most memorable days of my life was the Saturday Linda and I spent in the shadow of Sharlott Hall Museum sharing three of the greatest loves of our lives -- history, books, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. A couple of weeks ago I received a note from Linda asking me to remember her as she was that day. Certainly I always will -- and someday we'll sit together again and laugh and talk for hours. She is a joy and an inspiration in my life, truly a forever friend.

Cynthia Adams

September 27, 2006

Dear Brent, Wendy, Valorie, Roger, Carrie, Shelley and Beth,
My thoughts and prayers are with you this week. Your wife and mother was also a wonderful sister-in law. She set the example of how to be dedicated to projects and to complete them. A good example is the way she worked on and completed the book on David Patten even though it took a lot of energy. Linda's class, elegance and dedication to her family and education will long be hallmarks to observe in the upcoming generations. I will miss her. Cyndy Adams

Barbara Taylor

September 27, 2006

Dear Whiting family:

My deepest sympathy on the loss of Linda. She was a very special person. She had the most beautiful smile and always had something nice to say about everyone and everything.

Delsa Anderson

September 27, 2006

I made several trips to Mesa and Chandler with Linda, and never failed to enjoy her wit, her wisdom, and her generosity of spirit. She was a good writer, although she gave herself credit only for being an avid historian. At our writers' group meetings, she would disclaim all ability to write a poem or short essay, and then would turn out something delightful. I'm so glad I knew her. We will miss her at our monthly meetings. She had a stalwart and certain faith.

Jeanette Bangerter

September 27, 2006

My Dear Brother and Family:

My heart aches for the loss in your lives. But I am so glad that Linda's suffering is over. I have admired her abilites since the day I met her. My biggest regreat is that we never lived close enough to become thoroughly acquainted with all of her gifts and talents. I loved the book she wrote about David W. Patton. I even gave a book report at our Empty Nesters meeting. She will be sorely missed, but she will be there for all of you when you return home. I am grateful for the honor of her being in our family circle also. I send my love to you and to all your children. My they remember her with great love and admiration the rest of their lives.

Darrell Bangerter

September 27, 2006

While distance has separated us from Brent & Linda over the years, I will always remember the reunions and our one visit to Arizona. I especially remember the family reunion in Aspen Grove and how dedicated Linda was to finishing her book about David W Patten. I will also remember how cheerful she was at that time. Our heart goes out to Brent and the family during the difficult period of adjusting to Linda's passing. I am happy that the pain for her is over.

With love,

Kari Pike

September 27, 2006

Dear Brent and family,
I am sorry the love of your life is gone from you for awhile. She is on my favorite people list...and will always be a shining star for all of us to follow. I will miss her wisdom her encouragment and her friendship.
all my love,
Kari Pike

Linda Adams

September 27, 2006

Dear Whiting Family,
May I express my condolences at your deep loss. I knew Linda through our writers' group, and always felt she was an elect lady, with great wisdom and good common sense to share with all of us. She will be dearly missed. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet her in person and to read her David Patten book, which was wonderful.

May the Lord's blessings and tender mercies go with you at this time. She was a special light to all of us, and I am sure she blessed the lives of everyone she knew.

Josi Kilpack

September 27, 2006

Linda is an inspiring person. Not only a bright, committed woman, but the way she dealt with her illness and the knowledge that she wouldn't live out the future she had planned on was a powerful lesson to me. A woman of dignity and spirituality until the very end. I'm glad I got to share in a small portion of her life. To those she left behind--she always spoke of her family with such respect and love. May God be with you and peace be unto you.

Rachel Ann Nunes

September 27, 2006

My heart goes out to the Whiting family with deepest sympathy. Linda was a joy to know and an inspiration to me. I'm so grateful I had the chance to associate with her through LDStorymakers. May you feel her presence and comfort at this time.

Carole Thayne

September 27, 2006

I
knew Linda Shelley from LDStorymakers. I don't know if I've ever known
of a more corageous person facing her own mortality. Her love for her
family and her faith in God--enormous. I pray that her family will find
the strength they will need for some time to come.

Tristi Pinkston

September 27, 2006

Our deepest sympathies to the Whiting family at this time of loss. Linda was one of those people you never forget once you have met her.

Tamra Norton

September 27, 2006

Linda is such a special woman and my life has been so blessed because she has been a part of it. On September 1st I received a sweet note from Linda where she expressed her joy at the opportunity she will have to meet her grandchildren "before they come down." I can't expressed how much this thought has warmed my heart and strengthened my faith.

I love you Linda!

Anne Bradshaw

September 27, 2006

So glad to have known you, Linda. You were an inspiration to me through your writing. Thanks for all your wisdom. Love from Anne.

Annette Lyon

September 27, 2006

While I never met Linda in person, I knew her for some time via email through the LDStorymakers author group. She had a quiet strength and faith that permeated her emails, and we will all miss her influence. I'm personally grateful for her help with one of my books, which literally would not exist had she not given me direction on where to look for my research. I will always be grateful for the friendship Linda gave freely to all of us on the list. Her messages were always full of wisdom and quiet strength. I hope I can learn from her example.

Eileen Adams

September 27, 2006

Dear Brent and Kids,
Uncle Mark and I are sorry about Linda. We know how she suffered and is now so much better. Keep in mind all the happy times throughout the years that you have had with her. Know that she is with you always.
Love, Aunt Eileen and Uncle Mark

Jenny McKinney

September 27, 2006

I will miss your laugh and your smile, Aunt Linda. You have been a true light in my life. Be at peace now. Be at peace. Love, Jenny

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

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