Linda Sue de Vries, 58, devoted mother and friend, went to be with the Lord December 19, 2008 at Hendrick Medical Center. Visitation will be held Monday, December 22, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South. A celebration of Linda's life will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at South Pointe Church, 3050 Buffalo Gap Road, with Pastor Trace Michaels officiating, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.

Linda was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, September 1, 1950. She graduated from Cooper High School in Abilene in 1968. She worked at Lee Elementary as the school nurse, which exemplified the way she loved and cared for others. Linda enjoyed reading and crocheting; she also loved animals and football and was a fanatic Oklahoma Sooner fan! She also loved her church, especially her dear friends in her life group that she shared so many laughs with. Linda was full of life and had a wonderful sense of humor. Her smile was infectious. She was the best mother, fully devoted to her daughters. Linda was so excited about becoming a grandmother and it's certain she is now excited and fully devoted about being a guardian angel to Kaimi and Ellie Evans, born December 22, 2008.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Dorothy Taylor and sister, Brenda Ward.

Linda is survived by her two daughters, April and husband Kurt Evans of Mansfield and Lisa de Vries and Adam Cordero of Abilene; cousins, Gayle Williamson of Abilene and Karen and Scott Bowker of Anson; along with several nieces and nephews; and her adorable pets, cats Simba and Mittens, and dog Gracie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Rescue the Animals, 5933 S. 1st, Abilene, Texas 79605 in the name of Linda S. de Vries.