Linda Sue Smith, 72, of Sperry, died Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born Oct. 4, 1950, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Harold and Dorthy (Riley) Ashby. She married John Fenton in 1969, and they later divorced. She then married Robert Smith on Sept. 3, 1976.
Linda was special in so many ways. She contributed so much of herself from boy scout leader to working for child protective services for Louisa County. She helped with the Happy Bear Program, going into schools and explaining good and bad touches and signs of child abuse to children.
She had a love for animals. She was the Hannibal Animal Shelter manager for years, during which time she saved many animals and rehomed them, helping with fundraisers to fund their programs. More recently, Linda ran and maintained security for the Burlington airport for several years.
She was the best cook, the most popular was her fried chicken. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t make. She loved to garden and had the biggest garden you would ever see. She always sat a big basket of produce at the end of her road to give away to others. She loved her family and life and will be missed greatly.
Linda is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” Smith of Sperry; three children, Lori (Mike) Thie of Sperry, and Dean (Michelle) Fenton and Jon Fenton both of Burlington; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; lots of fur children; one sister, Donna Heland of Burlington; one brother Daryl Ashby of Burlington and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son Troy Fenton and three brothers.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 31 at Lunning Chapel where the family will receive friends. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. with Pastor Bruce Smith officiating.
According to her wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel. Burial will be at a later date in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for Sunny’s Legacy.