Linda Merle Watson Stotts died on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at her home in McKinney, Texas. She was 76 years old.
Linda was born in Liberal, Kansas on May 8, 1945, to parents Leroy and Mona Watson. Her birth on a day of worldwide peace and rejoicing was appropriate given her life characterized by kindness, sacrifice, and goodness. A fifth-generation Texan, she grew up in Austin and Grand Prairie with her parents and nine siblings. A lifelong student and teacher, she excelled in academic pursuits, graduating with a BA in English from UT Arlington, and a MA in English Literature from Southern Oklahoma University. She taught college writing, was a favored substitute teacher, and later taught classes in conversational English. Her writing skills and grammar were top-notch and result in a detailed and treasured set of letters to all her missionary children, as well as generations of grammar aficionados. A talented musician, she played piano in the family band The Watson Airs, and continued to bless others throughout her life by accompanying, teaching, and performing. Her rousing organ accompaniments were unforgettable. She enjoyed numerous band, orchestra, and choir concerts, as well as marching band shows, performed by her children and grandchildren, showing the continued legacy of her dedication to music. Linda was an excellent seamstress, sewing clothing for her children and beautiful embroidered baby blankets for grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. She wanted those baby blankets with each child’s name and birth information to be put to everyday use and loved, but many were cherished as heirlooms and remain in pristine condition. Linda loved flowers and enjoyed seeing the beautiful daffodils and tulips in her yard in the spring, as well as the hummingbirds from her porch swing at the lake. She enjoyed games, and excelled at 42 and UNO. She loved visiting with her family, discussing politics, and listening to family stories.
She met Richard Stotts at a church singles dance in Dallas. They married in Utah in 1967 and lived in Denison and Houston before retiring in McKinney. Together they raised eight children: twins Kenneth and Kelly, Kimberly, Larry, Leslie, Lisa, Lori, and Stephanie. Linda taught her children reading, math, and clues to remembering state capitals, as well as showing them how to love and serve others. Linda considered everyone a friend, and saw the best in all. She never gossiped, but gave everyone the benefit of a doubt. Her focus and guiding light was her Savior Jesus Christ. His example of teaching, sacrifice, love, and forgiveness was the source of her happiness. She showed how to follow Him.
Linda is survived by Richard, her loving husband of almost 55 years, as well as seven of her children. Her daughter Stephanie died in 2019. She leaves a beautiful legacy to her 33 grandchildren and two adorable great-grandchildren (with two more on the way). She is also mourned by her nine siblings: Lee, Carol, Keith, Alice, Mary, Walter, Jane, Laura Jean, and Nancy.
Linda died surrounded by loving family, and has been released from the difficulties of diabetes and dementia. As stated in The Book of Mormon, “the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow” Alma 40:12. The sweet and joyous reunion with her parents and daughter lessens the sadness of those who miss her.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 15, 2022 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2906 North Hardin Blvd, McKinney, Texas.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Thursday, April 14, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas.