Edna Ruth Linton

VERNON CENTER >> Edna Ruth Fletcher Linton passed away on May 6, 2017 after a full and purposeful life of over 98 years. Greatly loved by her family and friends, Edna was predeceased by Archie E. Linton, her husband of 64 years. The couple raised nine children, taking pride in saying "We have eight sons and each one has a sister."

Edna was a woman of deep faith and concerted prayer. She loved music; singing in the choir, on the radio or at the piano in the family parlor. She was an effective Sunday School teacher and Bible teacher, leading numerous ladies' groups from her home and other homes in the area. She was an active member and deaconess at the Vernon Baptist Church where several of her children caught a vision for Christian service in musical, pastoral and missionary endeavors.

Edna worked tirelessly. Whether selling encyclopedias, working the night shift at the Maple Park Home or baking dozens of loaves of bread, she made sure the Linton home was a busy place of hard work and generous hospitality. She frequently hosted friends, neighbors, Christian workers and missionaries for a chat, a meal or an overnight stay in the guest room. A pantry and chest freezer were always filled with foods that Edna and her family prepared and stored for sumptuous meals. Many meals at the Linton home featured meats and vegetables that were grown on their small farm with only the delicious seasonings being "store bought."

Edna is survived by all nine of her children, Larry Linton of Canada, David (Sue) Linton of Colorado, Bruce (Karen) Linton of Vernon Center, Gerald (Durelle) Linton of Tennessee, Sarah (Bruce) Gallup of Virginia, John (Nelda) Linton of Virginia, Douglas Linton of South Carolina, Stephen (Rita) Linton of Virginia and Brian (Angela) Linton of Virginia, 33 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren, an extended family of well over 100 members currently living in Canada, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Illinois, Colorado, Washington State and Indonesia. Five generations of Edna's family could be found at various times on six continents, the islands of the Pacific or New Zealand.

Edna was predeceased by one brother, Benjamin Fletcher and one sister, Betty Poling.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, May 11, 2017 from 5-9 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home, 23 Front St., Vernon, N.Y. Memorial services and a celebration of Edna's life will be held Friday, May 12, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Vernon Baptist Church, 11 Mill St., Vernon, N.Y. with the Rev. Dave Johnson officiating. A meal and time of fellowship will follow the service. Edna will be laid to rest next to her husband, Archie at the Vernon Village Cemetery, Vernon, N.Y. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com