Linda Rae Engebretsen, a resident of Rockwall, Texas, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 28, 2024, at the age of 81. She was born on October 30, 1942, to Raymond Clark McSpadden and Frances Helen (Hill) McSpadden in Austin, Texas. Linda found the love of her life, Edward Carl Engebretsen, whom she married on July 2, 1963, in Austin, Texas. Their 60 wonderful years together was a true example of ‘til death do us part.’
Throughout her life, Linda exemplified tremendous dedication. She worked from home for many years as a transcriptionist for a court reporter, allowing her to be a stay-at-home mom. Later in life she worked as an administrative assistant to the Dallas County Adult Probation Agency.
It was in her roles as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend where her true impact shone brightest. She prayed regularly for her family and was always encouraging them, telling them often how proud she was of them. Family and faith were the bedrocks of her existence, guiding her every step.
Linda lived a fulfilled life. She loved quilting, singing, traveling, reading and movies. She loved spending time with her family. She loved her friends with the same love she had for her family. Linda had a sweet spirit. She loved to laugh and will be remembered for her great laugh.
Even though all these things were of great importance to her, nothing was more important than her faith, her personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She was determined to live for him in all that she did. One of her favorite verses was Matthew 6:33-34 -- She sought after Jesus’ Kingdom, after His righteousness; she sought after Jesus.
Linda's spiritual journey led her through various congregations, including The University Baptist Church in Austin, Texas and Nevada Baptist Church in Nevada, Texas. However, it was within the embrace of The Heights Baptist Church in Richardson, Texas, where she discovered her final comfort and community. She was an active member of The Open Bible Life Group and served for many years as a greeter. She was also involved in ministry in South Dallas through Cornerstone Baptist Church serving at Beloved. She tutored in the Literacy Program for many years, helping underserved women hone their reading skills.
Her memory will forever linger in the hearts of those privileged to have known and loved her. Linda's legacy is one of unwavering love, steadfast faith, and boundless kindness.
The family would like to thank Visiting Angels for the care and help they gave to Linda these past ten months, especially her care giver Rebecca Pope. We would also like to thank Trinity Hospice for their help in making the final weeks and days of Linda’s life comfortable and peaceful.
Linda is survived by her beloved husband, Edward C. Engebretsen of Rockwall, Texas; daughters, Lesley Seale (Scott) of Garland, Texas, Laurie Minnick (Bruce), also of Garland, Texas, Lisa McCaffrie (Bob) of Salem, Alabama, and Kristi Porter (Mike) of Wylie, Texas; grandchildren, Ashley Carson (David), Rachael Trivett (Johnathan), Matt Seale (Jaime), Brittany Clark, Brian Seale (Becca), Katie Warren (Brett), Jacob Minnick and MJ Porter; five great-grandchildren; brother, John L. McSpadden (Bets); sister, Alice Fremming; best friend of 50 years, Linda Spurger; and a host of other loving family members and cherished friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Helen McSpadden.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at The Heights Baptist Church, 201 West Renner Road, Richardson, Texas 75080. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211 for a committal service. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Wednesday morning one hour before the service.
Memorial Donations can be made to Children’s Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.