Linda Kay Schoonover

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Linda Kay Schoonover, 71, longtime resident of Pagosa Springs, passed peacefully Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. A joint come-and-go memorial service for Linda and Bill will be held at the Timber Ridge Clubhouse, 31 Shooting Star Drive, in Pagosa Springs, Colo., on Feb. 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Linda was born July 7, 1953, to Verles and Leona Harris Flanagain in Dallas County, Texas. She spent her childhood years in Plainview, Texas, and Albuquerque, N.M., with her older siblings, Wallace, Jo, Gerald, Jackie and Gay Nell. Her sister, Evelyn, passed as a baby. Linda was the seventh child born in the seventh month on the seventh day — a sign that she would be the best kind of daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend — which she was. After high school she moved to Pagosa Springs, where she met the love of her life, William Ray Schoonover. They were married Dec. 20, 1971, and together they raised their children, Mark and Gale. Bill and Linda have three grandsons — Blake, Dillon and Bryan — and three great-grandchildren.

Linda loved her family fiercely and had a constant presence in the lives of those she cared about. Whether it was offering a listening ear during difficult times or stepping in with practical help when needed, Linda’s commitment to her loved ones was evident in every action.

Linda was a skilled teacher’s aide who dedicated more than 37 years of her life to nurturing young children, and joyfully served the community through her work from 1984 to 2021. Every teacher fortunate enough to work alongside her can attest to her extraordinary qualities and the genuine joy she brought to the classroom.

Linda was a dedicated fitness enthusiast who embraced a wide range of activities, from Jazzercise and aerobics to yoga, step class and Pilates. Always eager to share her knowledge, she inspired and supported countless others on their own fitness journeys.

Linda was the ultimate giver, not out of obligation, but from a deep, genuine desire to see others happy and well cared for. Her generosity knew no bounds — she gave freely of her time, energy and resources to anyone who needed it. Whether organizing school events, helping a friend with a personal project or just offering a smile to brighten someone’s day, Linda’s kindness had a ripple effect that touched everyone around her.

In their retirement years, Bill and Linda found immense joy in caring for their sweet great-granddaughter, Moxie. She was the highlight of their days, filling their time with walks, playful activities and precious moments. Together, they embraced this new chapter and cherished the simple joys of being together and surrounded by love of their growing family.

Linda not only loved deeply, but she also lived with a genuine kindness and light that made the world a better place for all who knew her. We will miss her deeply.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Gale Weber (Kenny Young); her grandsons, Blake Weber (Crystal Hess), Dillon Weber (Roma Kreeger) and her great-granddaughter, Moxie Weber; her siblings, Wallace Inge (Becky), Gerald Inge, Jo Andrews, Jackie Hobbs (Allen), Gay Nell Flanagain; grandson Bryan Schoonover; and great-grandchildren Willa Helen and Stanley; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was survived by her beloved husband Bill for less than 24 hours. She was preceded in death by her sister, her parents and stepson Mark Schoonover.