Linda Donelson Obituary
Linda Frances (White) Donelson was born in Cushing, OK in 1958 to Jim and Anne White. She was preceded in death by her husband Ron and by her parents. She is survived by her daughters: Danielle (Chris) Swiontek and granddaughters Evelyn, Chloe, and Joanna, of Colorado Springs, CO; Brandy (Brett) Hardy of Phoenix, AZ. She is survived by her siblings: Marilyn Mattix (Buster) of Broken Arrow, OK; Tim White (Eva) of Niederwald, TX; Tom White (Maryam) of New York , NY; Cyndi White of Northlake, TX; Charlotte White of Minburn, IA.
Growing up in Tulsa, Linda enjoyed volleyball, playing the viola and developing her artistic skills. Her first job was scooping ice cream at Baskin Robbin's. She trusted Jesus Christ as her Savior and later grew in her faith at Citadel Bible College in Arkansas, majoring in music education with a minor in voice.
After college, Linda returned to Tulsa and worked part time at her dad's laundromat. Her sister Charlotte introduced her to Ron, who at the time was the roommate and best friend of Charlotte's boyfriend, Tom Kurtz. Linda and Ron married on February 16, 1980...only two months after they had first met! Linda soon began joining Ron in many hunting adventures; she shot several deer and even a bobcat.
Together the couple raised their two daughters, Danielle and Brandy, born in 1982 and 1984. The four of them spent time camping, fishing, road tripping, and with family. Linda worked for Union Public Schools as a parent volunteer, computer tech, assistant librarian, and in several administrative roles. Over the years, Linda became known for her chocolate chip cookies as well as her Thanksgiving crescent rolls! Her coffee mug collection was epic. She had great appreciation for arts and music, and attended several concerts with her younger daughter over the years. She was a free spirit at heart, always up for a good time.
Once they both retired, Ron and Linda were blessed with more time for traveling to visit their daughters and their families. Their 38 year marriage sadly came to an end when Ron was struck while bicycling near their home in 2018. In the years that followed, Linda moved into Danielle's home and enjoyed several years living with her family. As her bvFTD dementia progressed, Linda moved to a memory care facility, living there until the Lord took her home to be with Him in heaven - a place where there is no more sickness, sorrow, or pain!
A memorial will be held at The Assembly, 3500 W. New Orleans, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 on October 18th at 11am. The service will be led by Linda's brother in law, Charles (Buster) Mattix.
Published by Tulsa World on Oct. 2, 2025.