Loving daughter, sister and aunt Lynda Lorraine Ellingsworth, born to Richard Lee and Jean Ellingsworth on November 7, 1959, returned to be with her Father in heaven on November 26, 2009. She was preceded by her father Richard Lee Ellingsworth. She is survived by her loving mother Jean, her brother Richard Lee II and his wife Deborah Ann and their three wonderful children Richard Chase, Trey Weston, and Tessa Elise. She is also survived by members of her chosen family, Bonnie and Bob Palmer, and their two children, Drew and Carol; along with her chosen parents, Sharon and Howard Bass. Lynda grew up in San Diego, California a place she continued to love throughout her life. In October of 1974 her family moved to Springfield, Missouri where she finished the remaining three years of her education at Kickapoo High School. After graduating in 1977, Lynda enrolled at Southwest Missouri State University, before continuing her education at Burge School of Nursing where she received her RN license in 1981. She worked in several capacities within the health field, including Oxford Home Health and in the MICU and Orthopedic Unit at St. John's hospital. It was in 1991 when Lynda began her career and found her calling in life at Lakeland Regional Hospital. She worked in many positions including Patient Advocate, Nursing Manager, Education Director and Vice President of Clinical Services. Lynda's true passion was serving and helping the children at Lakeland. She loved all of her co-workers, and truly found a second family at Lakeland. She was overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of each of her fellow workers, especially during the recent trials she faced. Lynda had many passions she enjoyed in her free time. Most of all, she loved to spend time with those that meant the most, her family and friends. She enjoyed watching movies, taking trips with family members, dancing, reading, fishing and craft work. Lynda had a great love for collecting angels. She was also known for her affection toward animals of all kinds. Lynda was compassionate and gave all of herself in everything that she did. She was a very intelligent and gifted woman, as she was a published author. Lynda was also a great listener and always put others before herself. She was very thoughtful and truly cared for the well-being of others. She had a great sense of humor and radiated enthusiasm. Lynda is, and always will be, so deeply loved by her family, and will be missed more than words can express. She has now found residence with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, released of all pain and discomfort. We are comforted as we know that she is joyously watching over each of us. We now celebrate the incredible woman Lynda was and express our gratitude for the blessing she has been in all of our lives.