Linda Ross-Thaxton

Linda Ross-Thaxton, beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, moved on to a life without cancer on Sunday, May 20. In dying, as in living, she taught courage, spunk, and dignity to all who were lucky enough to have been close to her during her 44 years, most especially her husband David Thaxton and her parents, Bobby and Harriett Ross.
How does one begin to describe a life so well lived?
On the personal side, Linda adored time spent these last nine years with her soulmate David, with whom she shared a wonderful, romantic marriage right to the end. She was a devoted family member: the little sister who became a rock to her brother in his cancer battle 13 years ago, her dad's confidant, and her mother's best friend. She loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and other young people, like the kids she taught to ski or helped through confirmation class. She was also a Certified Clinical Research Professional, taking pride in important work as a Clinical Trial Manager working to identify better tools for the diagnosis and early treatment of cancer with TriPath Imaging. Before that, she coordinated clinical trials of drugs to better address cardiovascular disease and pediatric psychiatric illnesses with the Duke Clinical Research Institute, and was also a Project Manager of diabetes studies with BioStratum Inc.
We should also remember Linda for all the other things she was: an adventurer who went skydiving to celebrate her 40th birthday and was always ready for something new and exciting. Linda was happiest when she was active -- walking the Duke wall or trail with friends, swimming, aerobics, tennis and golf. She loved the outdoors, especially trail riding, scuba diving, water and snow skiing, sailing, and camping. Happiness was an afternoon nap in the fall sun, nestled into a warm sheepskin and leaning up against her saddle after a good ride. Born and raised in Durham, Linda was the quintessential steel magnolia throughout her illness. Linda credited her mother with her sense of grace, poise, resilience, patience, good taste, and an appreciation for the arts. Her home, like her parents', was always beautifully decorated, and her personal style was evident in cool earrings, clothes that made a statement, and hats in which she was stunning regardless of how much hair she had lost.
From her father, Linda learned integrity, determination, and self confidence. She also inherited a feisty Ross spirit that served her well in her battle against this tough disease. From her older brothers, she learned integrity and a positive spirit, plus a healthy dose of humor and mischievousness. From friends, she learned the joy of music, theatre, travel, and life-changing love.
Linda was comfortable with a wide spectrum of humanity and all of God's creatures. She was devoted to her animals: horses Apollo and Ferrari, and a succession of dogs: Barney, her constant companion at the end, and before him Speckles, Charlie, Winnie, Bear, Lucy, Blossom, Buffy, Rufus, William, Ringo, and Rocky. She credits the decade she helped on a family farm while married to Ritchie Roberts with not only her love for jersey cows, but also her appreciation for hardworking agricultural entrepreneurs and the role multiple generations play in the North Carolina family farm.
Those wishing to celebrate Linda's wonderful life are invited to the memorial service on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church, where she worshipped, sang, served, and was ministered to when she needed support.
The family will receive friends on Monday, May 21, 2007 from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. at her sister-in-law's home, 4102 Westfield Drive.
In addition to her husband and parents, Linda is survived by her brother, Ron Ross and his wife Susan of Philadelphia, as well as her sister-in-law, Susan Cranford Ross and her husband, Tom Hadzor of Durham. She is also survived by her nephews, Andy Ross, Chris Thaxton, Bobby Hadzor and Tommy Hadzor; nieces, Katie Ross, Sarah Ross, Courtney Ross, Becca Hadzor, and Sarah Hadzor-Gingerich; uncles Al ("Bev") and Don Ross; and sisters-in-law, Cynthia Thaxton and Mary Baldwin.
She was predeceased by her brother, Bobby H. Ross Jr.
The family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation to the Rev. Donovan Drake who walked with us along this final path, and to all the friends who shared their love with Linda along the way, especially Debbie Carter and Kathy Cates.
In lieu of flowers, Linda asked that memorial gifts be made to the Linda Ross-Thaxton Love and Care Endowment Fund at Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church, 927 West Trinity Avenue, Durham, NC 27701.
Howerton & Bryan Funeral Home is assisting the Ross-Thaxton Family.
Online condolences at www.howertonbryan.com select obituaries.