Linda Louise Christy, 85, formerly of Ottumwa died at 3:22 p.m. October 31, 2026 at Grand Living at Tower Place in West Des Moines.
She was born March 20, 1941 in Ottumwa to Earl and Pearl Gustason Williams. She married Robert Henry “Bob” Christy on June 16, 1963 and he preceded her in death on September 14, 2013.
A 1959 graduate of Ottumwa High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Drake University in 1963. Linda taught at Wilson Elementary for a few years before her sons were born. Returning to teaching, she taught at Bible Baptist Christian School and at Agazzi Elementary for over 20 years, retiring in 2003.
Linda was baptized, confirmed and married at First Lutheran Church in Ottumwa. She and her family attended Bible Baptist Church and later Wesley United Methodist Church where she was involved with Circle. She enjoyed staying connected with her teaching colleagues, reading and playing the piano. Most importantly she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Surviving are two sons, Greg (Michelle) Christy of Orange City and Geoff (Cynthia) Christy of Urbandale; six grandchildren, Ryan (Caitlyn) Christy of Brookings, SD, Maddie (Caleb) Bargen of St. Paul, MN, Kyle Christy of Holland, MI, Grant Christy (fiancé, Megan Miller) of Des Moines, Campbell Christy of Milwaukee, WI and Brandon Christy of Iowa City; four great grandsons, Layne, Rowyn, Ellis and Emmett.
She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Richard James Christy; and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Visitation will be open after 10 a.m. Friday, November, 6th at Reece Funeral Home with her family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, November 7th at Reece Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
