Linda Thurston

McALLEN, Texas -- Linda Louise Thurston, loving wife and mother, died Sunday, April 10, 2016, at Baylor Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas.

Linda was born Dec. 14, 1941, in Malden, Missouri, to the late Sam Barry and Dillie Mae Dildine.

She was a former resident of Clubb, Missouri. She had resided in McAllen for the past five years.

On June 11, 1960, she was united in marriage to Lindel "Buck" Thurston, and they enjoyed 48 happy years together.

Linda was a school-bus driver for 13 years. At age 40, she went to college, graduating with honors, and went to work for the Missouri Department of Family Services. She was respected by her co-workers as well as judges, policemen and lawyers for her zealous dedication to helping families and children.

Linda was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on Feb. 22, 2014, and had a strong faith in the Bible's promise of a future paradise.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Buck Thurston; four brothers, Bill, Dick, Grover and Darlas Dildine; and four sisters, Connie Rosenburg, Ella Mae Jost, Delphine Goforth and Lillian Kimes.

She is survived by her son, Lindel Barry (Irma) Thurston, and grandchildren, Lindy and Luke Thurston; her stepdaughter, Kay (Tom) Evans, and grandchildren, Cindy Harris and Bobby Evans; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Melvin (Rose) Dildine; and a sister, Carolyn Dildine.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of service Saturday at Ruegg Funeral Home in Greenville, Missouri.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Wesley-Dixon Cemetery near Hiram, Missouri.

Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com.