Ms. Linda Whitley's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Linda Sue Whitley
October 12, 1949 – May 14, 2025
Today, we said goodbye to an extraordinary woman. Linda Sue Whitley passed away peacefully on the morning of May 14, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer. She faced this disease not once, but three times, with a strength and determination that left us all in awe. In the end, after countless surgeries and the weight of stage 4 metastatic cancer, her body grew weary. But true to her spirit, Linda made the decision to enter hospice care—on her own terms—and passed surrounded by the love of her family.
Linda was a nurse for 44 years—a caregiver by nature, by profession, and by heart. She poured her soul into every role she held, from hospitals to clinics, and perhaps most memorably, as a flight nurse with LifeAir. That job thrilled her, challenged her, and gave her a front-row seat to saving lives, something she was deeply passionate about.
Even in her final days, Linda never stopped teaching or giving. From her hospital bed, she welcomed students from Buckeye Hills, guiding them through her own care and turning her journey into a learning opportunity. She especially adored the young women who accompanied her favorite nurse, Joey. Watching her teach them, even as she grew weaker, was a powerful reminder of her lifelong mission to make a difference. She loved those girls deeply—and they loved her right back.
Linda’s faith was unwavering. Her deep love for Jesus carried her through these past weeks with remarkable peace. She knew where she was going, and she was never afraid. Her faith was her foundation, and she never hesitated to share that truth with others.
If you knew Linda, you were blessed. Her strength, her fire, her sense of humor, and her boundless love touched everyone around her. She was preceded in death by her beloved sisters Wilma Jane Baird and Edith Diane Gipson, her brother Michael, her mother Wykle VanPelt, and her father Russell E. Whitley.
She leaves behind her children, Danny Joe Reynolds Jr. (Angel) and Nancy Joy Frogale (Chris), her grandchildren Alexander Houck and Ahnika Frogale, and two great-grandchildren. She is survived by brother, Errol Whitley. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and her cousins, Andy Butcher, Elaine Irish, Greg Stephens, Lori Simpkins, Chris Simpkins and Stephanie Porter.
She is also survived by two very special friends to her, Ann Hite and Ken Steiger, as well as several deeply cherished people she considered family—you know who you are. And of course, her beloved Bluetick dog Dottie, grand-dog Scooter, and her nine grand-kitties, who brought her joy every single day.
Linda had a big heart and big passions. She was a devoted fan of KISS, Z02, Airiel Down, Tennessee Volunteer Football, Peyton Manning, and—always and forever—Elvis.
We are beyond grateful to the incredible staff of Holzer Hospital’s 2W unit. Every nurse, assistant, housekeeper—every single person on that floor—became part of our family. Thank you for turning Room 238 into a place filled with love, laughter, and even a little bit of partying. We will never forget your kindness. ❤️
As we begin to honor her final wishes, we ask for your prayers and love. Details about her memorial service will be shared soon.
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