Linda was born July 6, 1952, at the Grinnell Community Hospital to Merle (Gordy) and Doris (Lauber) Winchell. She grew up in Malcom IA, attending Malcom School through 6th grade and graduated from BGM High School in Brooklyn. She was employed by GTE/Verizon Telephone Company, retiring after 37 years of service.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Mike, sister Debra, paternal grandparents Ralph and Hazel Winchell, maternal grandparents Henry and Pearl (Young) Lauber, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Survived by her sister, Diane Criswell, her nieces and nephews and their families, Michelle (Jason) Van Zante, (Tyler (Brianna) Van Zante, Megan Van Zante), Brad (Melissa) Criswell, (Joel (Erin) Criswell, (Dani, Iris, Ezra, Charlie), Robbie (Nohemi) Criswell), Jessica (Alex) Wynn, (Layla and Carys Wynn), Jeff (Tiffany) Criswell, (Hadley, Clayton and Hudsyn Criswell,) several aunts and many cousins.

She enjoyed country music, especially the Oak Ridge Boys. She was also a sports fan and enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and Indiana Fever. A highlight she had was taking a trip to Hawaii with her brother and sister. Spending time with family brought her joy, especially the holidays. Some of her hobbies over the years were cross stitching, crocheting, league bowling, baking and attending activities of her nieces and nephews. The last couple of years she had been living at the Hammond Center and then for the last 6 weeks she was at Windsor Manor in their Memory Care.

Per her wishes, she has been cremated and will be buried at the Hazelwood Cemetery.

A special thank you to all those who have cared for her over the last 2 years including those at the Grinnell Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Park Centre, Windsor Manor and especially those from Hammond Center who came to visit her in her final days.

Memorials may be designated to the St. Francis Manor Foundation, mailed in c/o Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.