Linda Stoops

Linda started her life journey on June 1, 1952 in Tucson, AZ, the first daughter of Stanley and Hazel “Susie” Rusek. A summer trip brought her to visit her grandmother Victoria Walinski on her farm near Dowagiac, where she met her life-long love, companion and husband Lawrence “Tim” Stoops. They celebrated marriage at Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church in Dowagiac on July 25, 1970 and lived many years in the community. Linda served her church for many years as a lector and Sunday school teacher. Along with Tim, Linda was a volunteer with the Dowagiac Ambulance Service and could always be seen in the background at a working fire serving coffee and homemade chili during the winter months and nice cold refreshments during the summer. She was also very active with the Muscular Dystrophy Association working as a pledge center coordinator and the Children’s Door to Door Drive. Linda had a kind heart and was always there to help others in need, including animals. She loved working on her home landscaping and was always giving her roses to anyone who needed a spiritual lift. She was employed until retirement at Hallmark Store in Elkhart which is found very rewarding helping other find the perfect card for every special occasion. She had been fighting cancer for the last three years and during that time, she has remained strong and always helpful to others. In her file, her doctor commented “Linda is a special person who makes friends with staff and patients in the chemo room.” Linda spent her final days at home surrounded by loved ones including her husband Tim of Niles, and is survived by her daughters Tiffany (Jeremy) Gleason of Las Vegas, and Amy Ferguson of Niles, her beloved grandchildren Ryan and Nicholas Gleason, Bailey and Alexis Ferguson, brothers Robbie, Ronald, Mickey and Ricky Rusek and sister Beverly Simmons. She peacefully passed away on Tuesday March 19, 2013 at her home, with her husband Tim lovingly by her side. She is preceded in death by her parents. Linda’s family invites friends to gather with them on Monday March 25th from 6-8 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles led by Father Tom King. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to her husband Tim.