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Linda Derbas Obituary
Linda K. Derbas, 75, of Galien passed away on Monday, July 24, 2023, at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville, surrounded by her loving family.
A celebration of life service will be planned and announced at a later date. Memorial donation in Linda's name may be made to Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. Those wishing to sign Linda's memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Linda was born on March 15, 1948, in Muskegon, Mich., to Alvin and Eleanor (Hughes) Burkall.
She graduated from St. Joseph High School, Class of 1966, and received her radiology technician certification from the Radiology Department at Mercy-Memorial Hospital in St. Joseph. Linda was employed as a technician at many local hospitals and doctor's offices over the last 40 years.
On March 30, 1976, she married Daniel Derbas in Galien.
Music was also at the center of her life, as she served as choir director for 25 years at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Buchanan, and taught piano in her home for many years to countless students. Linda was very active in the St. Joseph High School Alumni Association, was very involved with her Galien Community, and with the Galien schools variety shows, choir performances, queen pageants, and teaching safety to numerous classes over the years.
She devoted her life to caring for others as she served as a caregiver for numerous family members over the years. In her free time, Linda enjoyed gardening – both outdoor flowers and indoor plants – making and selling decorative yarn scarves at many local craft shows and fairs, as well as camping and traveling across the United States.
Linda is survived by her husband, Dan; two children: Rebecca (Alan) Selvidge of Coloma, Joal (Sierra) Derbas of Fremont, Ohio; four grandchildren: Jack Selvidge, Emilia and Kara Rhoades and Lauren Derbas; siblings: Julie (James) Painter of Davenport, Fla., Don (Shirley) Burkall of Durham, N.C., Mary (David) Schmidke of St. Joseph; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends too numerous to mention.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents Al and Eleanor Burkall, and her sister, Lori Burkall.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Funeral services provided by:
Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
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