Linda Carolyn (Hagener) Williams, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, age 76, went home peacefully to be with the Lord on February 12, 2016 in her home after a very courageous year-long struggle with cancer.

Linda was born May 29, 1939 in West Plains, Missouri, the second daughter to Raymond and Mary (Stillwell) Hagener. She grew up in Willow Springs, Missouri, but spent many happy times in Jefferson City and Tuscumbia, Missouri as well. After graduating from Willow Springs high school in 1957, she attended then Southwest Missouri State College where she was an active member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and worked as a student secretary in the athletic department. Upon graduating with a degree in business, she worked at Royal Typewriter as an administrative assistant for several years.

Linda married Dale Williams May 27th, 1966. They lived next door to each other in a triplex when they met and began dating. Dale says "from the day we met through the next 50 years, we've lived under the same roof." Linda dedicated herself to raising their three daughters and serving the Springfield community through volunteer work which she loved. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and supported numerous efforts serving those in need. She enjoyed meeting and visiting with all people she delivered meals to. She was an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church for nearly 45 years, where she also served in many volunteer roles. Supporting her daughters' school, she volunteered as librarian and Girl Scout leader for several years at Pershing elementary.

Linda's passion was cats and many a stray, homeless cat found its way into her home over the years, or at least had a good meal and bed always waiting for it on the front porch. She supported many animal rescue shelters in the hopes of finding caring homes for all animals.

Linda was a creative spirit, loving to sew, design crafts, and draw. In the 1970's, she started her own business, Doll Designs by Linda, sewing and selling beautiful doll clothes. An avid antiques collector – especially dishes and dolls - she worked at Quarry Creek Antiques in Galloway Village during the 1990's. She loved spending many a Saturday morning at a good auction. She also enjoyed working in her garden.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents and survived by her husband, Dale; three daughters, Elizabeth Martin (John), Christine Walterman (Allen), and Patricia Petty, all of Springfield; four grandchildren whom she dearly loved, Alex Efthimos (Ashley), Ty and Will Petty, and Lily Martin; and two sisters, Marybeth Hackett (Harvey) of Willow Springs and Joan Ott (Warren) of Springfield. She also leaves behind many nephews, cousins, and dear friends who were such an important part of her life. She will be greatly missed by all.

Visitation will be held February 16th from 5-7 p.m. at Gorman Scharpf funeral home. A memorial will be held on February 17th at 11 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church followed by a private burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dale and Linda Williams Foundation at Covenant Presbyterian Church or the Watching Over Whiskers Feline Fund cat shelter.