Linda Lou HOOTEN

(Age 72)

Linda Lou Weckesser was born on October 3, 1952, in Cheverly, Maryland. The eldest of three daughters, born to the late Alphia L. (Ball) and Louis B. Weckesser, both Baltimore City born and raised.

Linda lived a fortunate life, with a loving family, in a modest home in College Park, MD. The family's "second home" was College Park UMC, where much time was spent for worship on Sunday mornings, youth group on Sunday evenings, and choir practice one day during the week. A Co-Ed fellowship group eventually formed for young adults, which is where Linda met her future husband, Roy Hooten.

In 1974, at the age of 22, Linda married Roy in a meadow on the grounds of the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratories. One year later they decided to move to Spokane Washington, where they truly began an amazing journey together, starting out in the house Roy's grandfather built.

Fast forward 50 years, with tons of wonderful memories and changes behind them, the life of Linda Hooten is now remembered and celebrated after her death on July 23, 2025.

Linda has left an indelible mark on so many lives in so many ways. Growing up, she might have been described as a quiet, introspective girl, but deep down she had a keen sense of wonder and a passion for learning and loving new things and people.

After graduating from High Point High School in 1970, with a focus on business, she secured a full time government job as an Admin Assistant at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

After moving to Spokane, Linda landed a job with Fairchild AFB, where she worked at the survival school for 3 years. Given the opportunity to switch gears, Linda started working for architect, Don Neraas, for over 25 years. Linda was also the Executive Director of the Spokane Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

~A life long Girl Scout, Linda was actively involved in leadership roles for over 30 years and traveled to Japan, Mexico, and Europe, including a visit to the GSA Headquarters in Switzerland.

~Linda (and Roy) spent 40 years, serving countless hours as Float Coordinator(s) for the Spokane Lilac Festival parade, which is celebrating its 88th year.

~Linda (and Roy) volunteered as chaperone(s) for the East Valley High School trips abroad to Spain and other countries in Europe. ~Linda also helped procure clothing and models for the Spokane Women's Club Historic Fashion Shows.

~Avid supporter/member of the North West Museum of Arts and Culture, and the Spokane Symphony. Also volunteered regularly at the Civic Theater.

~Attended many seasons of Spokane Indian Baseball.

Moving to Spokane gave Linda the wings she needed to become the person she was meant to be. She cultivated new friendships who became like "family" to her. She was loved by many for who she was. A kind and truly happy person. Linda would talk to anyone and convince them to do whatever it was she wanted done. She was a great leader and mentor to many young people, becoming Spokane "grandma" to some and "auntie Linda" to others. She will not be forgotten. A life well lived.

Linda is survived by her loving husband, Roy; her two East Coast sisters, Beth Varney (Michael) and Carol Messerly (Robert); her three nieces, Johanna North, Laura Messerly, and Ellen Ward; along with one grandniece, Ava; and two grandnephews, Grayson and Joel. Also survived by her many Spokane "sisters" and "brothers" who know who they are.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., at the Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, on 115 N. Raymond Road, Spokane Valley, WA.