Linda Jean Hobbs lived an honorable life dedicated to empowering and equipping people to achieve big things.
Linda was born on Nov. 6, 1961, in Houston Texas, and died on March 10, 2024, in Pagosa Springs, Colo. Linda was the third daughter of James Raymond Hobbs Jr. and Christine Pierce Hobbs.
Eddie Abbott and Paisley Grace Mackey survive Linda. Linda is also survived by two sisters, Ramona Craddock, of Dallas, Texas, Susan Peet ,of Bowling Green, Ohio, and two brothers-in-law, Mike Craddock and Robb Coffman. Linda has five nephews and one niece: Timothy Jerome Hobbs Craddock (Tiffany Au and Thomas Craddock), Mary Christine Craddock, Joseph Stewart Craddock (Poojah Vasudev) and Curtis Andrew Hobbs Peet, James David Hobbs Peet, and William Pierce Hobbs Peet (Tiffany Payne Peet). Linda maintained a special family connection with numerous cousins, including the Willis, Red, Free and Taylor families and descendants. Linda is also survived by many people who became family by choice, in Houston; Bowling Green, Ohio; and Pagosa Springs, Colo.
Linda earned a Bachelor of Arts in finance from the University of Texas. Linda’s early career involved working in banking and finance. Linda also had a successful real estate career in Houston, Texas.
While Linda maintained her primary residency in Houston, Texas, she spent significant time in Bowling Green, Ohio. “Aunt Linda” made a substantial impact in Ohio.
Linda spent her life creating families:
MacHobbott family: Linda and Eddie celebrated 20 years of a committed personal relationship on May 18, 2023. On Dec. 5, 2023, they were married. Paisley Grace Mackey had already joined the family in January 2016. In January 2017, the “MacHobbotts” relocated to Pagosa Springs. Paisley, Eddie and Linda built a life in Pagosa that fulfilled many life dreams and goals. In Pagosa Springs, the family quickly became involved in the Seeds for Learning School, Friends of the Pagosa Multipurpose Pavilion, “music parties” on Reservoir Hill and many others social and civic activities.
Sorority family: While at the University of Texas, she joined the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and enjoyed lifelong relationships with her sorority sisters.
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) family: Linda became a member of the Brazos Valley Chapter of the American Revolution in April 2010. She served as regent of this chapter from June 2014 to June 2016. Upon moving to Pagosa, Linda quickly sought out the Sarah Platt Decker DAR chapter in Durango and Pagosa. Linda was a highly active/involved member, and as a result, she was the recipient of many medals and awards. Through DAR, her love of American history and her commitment to honoring veterans became a deeply instilled value. Linda also fully embraced the educational mission of DAR.
Vets for Vets family: Upon moving to Pagosa Springs, Colo., and becoming involved with DAR, Linda became associated with Vets for Vets in Pagosa. This family became slightly unexpected and deeply treasured. Her love of listening to the stories of sacrifice and duty grew steadily.
Wreaths Across America family: One of Linda’s most far-reaching accomplishments was creating the Wreaths Across America program in Pagosa and Durango. By merging her knowledge of DAR and Vets for Vets, she was able to invite individuals and corporate sponsors to honor the sacrifice of veterans and promise to educate future generations about our country. The legacy of Wreaths Across America will endure in Pagosa due mainly to Linda’s vision and leadership in establishing the program.
Girl Scout family: Girl Scouts have been an enduring theme of Linda’s life. From childhood through the cookie sale of 2024, Linda was a devoted Girl Scout. She lived by the motto of leaving a place better than you found it. Linda maintained personal relationships with Girl Scouts from her childhood and was eager to make new relationships with girls, leaders, and members of Paisley’s troop #22112.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 23, at 11 a.m. at Hilltop Cemetery.
The gravesite is near the intersection of Skyrocket/Tulip. A celebration of life will be held immediately afterward at the Tennyson Building Event Center, 197 Navajo Trail Drive.
