Well folks, I’d like to say thanks for the memories, but now the memories are now yours. I fought hard but in the end the big C won out. My wish is that no one else be stricken and that medical research finds a long term cure to prevent all forms of cancer before anyone else has to succumb. With that let me share a bit of my family history.

I was born in Battle Creek, MI on July 16, 1958 and survived by my parents Robert and Doris McDonald of Battle Creek, MI. I graduated from Lakeview High School in ’76 and where I met my husband John Link of 34+ years. We took a gamble, left MI in ‘81 and moved to the Dallas area. We’ve been living in Plano, TX for the past 31 years. I spent 28 years working as a Business/Purchasing Analyst at HP/EDS until Nov-2010.

I have two great children, Karen Lynn Rutledge and John Ryan Link. They have brought me great joy and happiness. I even had time to see my grandson, Liam Matthew Rutledge, become a rambunctious, smart, and sweet charmer. Karen has been married to Jason Rutledge for 6 years and they live in McKinney, TX. John Ryan lives in Allen, TX and is set to get married in May 2013 to Jess McQuay.

I am survived by my sisters Barbara Evans-Crisher, Sally and her husband Ed Brown, all still living there BC., my brother John Robert McDonald and his wife Debra of Tempe AZ. Note due to the number of John’s we had to use middle names to make sure which one we are referencing. I am also survived by four brother in-laws Jeff, Don, Joe, Dave and his wife Kathy, and John’s mother Mary Link-Webster. All live in the south DFW area. I have ten grown nieces and nephews and seven great nieces and nephews. Preceding me was my father in-law Clarence Link, and brother in-laws Stephen and Matthew Link.

Through the years I have enjoyed many fads and hobbies. Making crafts (like five doll wedding gowns for various weddings, quilting, and most of all gardening. So my wish is that in lieu of flowers, you plant a rose bush, lilies, or any perianal flowering plant. Get a gnome to watch over through the seasons. As each time your plant blooms it will be bring you a joy as well as memory of me.

Finally, thanks to everyone for providing me the love, understanding, and friendships that have provided me such found memories of you all. I’ll be hanging with my gnomeies up in heaven.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, December 13, 2012 in the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel, Allen, Texas.