Linda Marie Goodwin Ross

In Loving Memory of Linda Marie Goodwin Ross
 
With heavy hearts and immense sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved
wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and best friend, Linda Marie
Goodwin Ross, who went home to rest on October 10, 2023, leaving a legacy of love
and kindness that will forever be cherished.
 
Linda was born on May 3, 1949 to Charles Goodwin and Michaelina Goodwin (Turlevitz)
and grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana, where she developed her enduring love for family,
friends, gatherings, and holidays. She graduated from West Vigo High School in 1967.
She attended Indiana State University and earned her undergraduate degree while
working multiple jobs for over ten years. In her quest to continuously grow, she earned
a Master of Science in Management degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2002.
 
To her sons, Will and Rob, she was the type of mother books are written about. She
always had time to recite her favorite poems from Where the Sidewalk Ends, talk about
the day, or cook a four-course meal. Will and Rob constantly fought to be her favorite
child until it was clear who had won. When Amy came on the scene, Linda finally had
the daughter she always wanted, and Amy easily took the title. Will and Rob changed
their aspirations and still debate about who is the favorite son. Linda is survived by Will
Edwards, her oldest son, his children Lorelai and Thatcher, her son, Rob Edwards, his
beautiful wife Amy and their children Brayden, Chandler, and Foster. Linda received
great news in the last few weeks when Brayden announced he had asked Carlie
Witsken to marry him. Linda was overheard saying "the ring is almost as beautiful as
Carlie."
 
Linda found love again when she married Jim, who cared for her immensely. Linda's
unwavering support and love for her newly cherished family includes stepdaughter
Robin (Brad), stepson Jay (Carla), stepdaughter TJ (Keith), and stepson Jerry (Kim).
Grandchildren Joshua (Shelby), Kyle, Jacob, Meagan, Tyler, Kassidy, and Kody. Great
grandchildren Grace, Addison, Lucas, Joslyn, and Lilyana.
Her nurturing and motherly spirit extended far beyond her immediate family. Linda
treated her nieces and nephews as if they were her own, providing unwavering support,
understanding, guidance, and love. She was always ready to offer a comforting word, a
listening ear, and a warm embrace to all in need. Her nieces and nephews still talk
about the cherished holidays and other times spent with their Aunt Linda. They recall
the evenings eating popcorn and her famous fudge while watching VHS movies in her
living room.

As a sister, she was the best. During her younger years, Phyllis and Chuck looked up
to her and wanted to imitate her. As they grew, Linda was always there for advice and
perspective when needed, through a phone call or her favorite, an unannounced visit
from one of them to her house. She was quick with a stern word to her brother when
needed, but it was always followed by an act of kindness, often in the form of a starter
plant.

If there was one thing Linda loved as much as her family and friends, it was holidays.
She approached each holiday with a level of enthusiasm and devotion that was truly
unparalleled. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she transformed her home
into a festive wonderland, decorating not one, but up to twelve Christmas trees each
year. Her dedication to creating joyous holiday memories will be a cherished part of her
legacy. Easter was another special time for Linda, and her home became a sanctuary
for all things bunny related. She had more bunny rabbits than a Hallmark store, and
each year, she delighted in sharing the Easter spirit with friends and family, ensuring
that her home was a place of happiness and celebration.

Linda was a woman with an extraordinary heart and limitless room to welcome new
friends or family members whenever they entered her life. She was the heart and soul
of our family, and her spirit lives on in memories, holiday traditions, and the love she
shared with all who were fortunate enough to come into contact with her.
 
Linda had a profound impact on the business and not-for-profit community in Terre
Haute. Her roles and leadership included inspiring young students at DeVaney
Elementary, Director of Marketing and founder of News Papers in Education at the
Tribune Star, Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity, Fundraising Coordinator at The
United Way, Executive Director at the Terre Haute Children's Museum, and Director of
the Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary of the Woods. However, her true passion was
teaching business to students at Indiana State University where she retired after
impacting thousands of lives. Here she not only taught business, but also imparted
lifelong lessons which will continue to be felt through her students' interactions with
others as they make an impact on everyone they meet. In addition to teaching at
Indiana State, she furthered the mission of multiple not-for-profit businesses by
planning, fundraising, and grant writing through her personal business, Linda Edwards
Consulting.

A thorough list of her awards, plaques, and recognitions would be too long to detail, and
doing so would compromise her unselfish intent. Instead, we know she will be
rewarded for these acts in heaven, for it says in Matthew 6:3-4: “But when you give to
the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your
giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward
you.
 
A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023 at Greiner Funeral
Home located at 2005 N. 13th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47804. Rob, Amy, Will and Jim
will welcome all of Linda's family and friends with a visitation beginning at 1:00 PM, with
a memorial service starting at 3:00 PM. As Linda would love, we will gather for food,
fun, and the sharing of memories at Linda and Jim's house immediately following the
service. Their address is 2126 N. 11th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47804. To honor Linda’s
love of gardening, flowers, and the outdoors, please wear something with flowers on
your dress, blouse, shirt, tie, socks or whatever else.

As many of you know, Linda would never allow only one celebration when two are an
option. Due to scheduling conflicts and travel from the Frozen Tundra (Linda's words),
Will, Jim, and his family, will hold a celebration of life on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at
Greiner Funeral Home located at 2005 N. 13th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47804. All
family and friends are welcome. The celebration will begin with visitation starting at
10:00 AM and the service beginning at 11:00 AM. Immediately following the service, we
will gather for food, fun, and the sharing of memories at Linda and Jim's house. Their
address is 2126 N. 11th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47804.
 
As we all know, Linda was selfless in her giving to charities and those in need. In lieu of
flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to your favorite charity in memory
of her.
 
You are in your true home, Linda. You will never be forgotten. You had a tremendous
impact on everyone you came into contact with and the light you brought to every
gathering warmed all of us immensely. Rest in peace our dear Linda/Mom/Ana/Aunt
Linda/Sis/Best Friend.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linda Marie Goodwin Ross, please visit our floral store.