Linda Mae Buckles, 76, of Ottumwa passed away at 11 a.m. July 14, 2023 at Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa. She was born July 30, 1946 in Derry, New Hampshire to Leonard and Ruth Waters Thomas. She married W.R. “Ralph” Buckles Jr. on August 16, 1974 and he preceded her in death on January 26, 2007.
Linda attended Pinkerton Academy as a child. She was a member and pioneer of many churches and one of those was Lighthouse in which she ran the bus ministry. The two churches she felt most at home were Lighthouse and Southside Pentecostal Church of God. Linda loved being in church and singing. She was a Sunday School teacher, Women’s Bible Study leader, children’s choir teacher along with many other things. Linda loved serving the Lord and bringing people to the Lord.
Linda and Ralph moved to Ottumwa in 1995, they fostered many children and adopted 2 legally, but many more in their hearts.
Surviving is a son, Angel Buckles of Ottumwa; a brother, Brian “Rusty” (Peg) Esty of Kansas; 3 nephews, Ian Thomas of Kansas, Michael Thomas of Ottumwa and David Esty; 2 nieces, Laura Lee (Jon) of Creston and Shauna Jansen; a grandson, Christian Buckles; a granddaughter, Samantha Thomason (Chris) of Bloomfield; a daughter-in-law, Michelle of Florida; many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Charles “Chuck” Buckles; a daughter, Tyanne Thomason; 2 brothers, Ken Thomas and Don Esty; and a sister, Brenda Esty.
Visitation will be open at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 19th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 20th at Reece Funeral Home with Janet Lasley officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the family.
