Linda Marie Huckaby

Linda Marie Huckaby

Linda Marie Huckaby, 75, of Grove, Okla., died on Friday, April 21, 2023, at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, surrounded by her husband and children.

Linda was born on June 7, 1947, in Fort Scott, Kan., to Chester and Mary Shoemaker Hunter. She grew up on the family farm and loved spending time with animals, particularly her favorite horse, Pet.

When Linda was 14 years old, she met Samuel Cole Huckaby at a ninth-grade party. Their courtship grew into love as they enjoyed life in Fort Scott, particularly attending dances where Sam played the drums with his band, The Datons. Their loyal group of Fort Scott buddies continue to be their closest friends, and Linda treasured her annual trips with “the girls.”

Linda graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1965 and Pittsburg State University in Kansas with an Associate’s Degree. She and Sam were married on August 6, 1966, at the Christian Church in Fort Scott.

Linda and Sam moved to Tulsa in 1970 and founded their successful electrical construction company, Industrial Controls of Oklahoma, in 1980. They worked side by side to grow the business, which is now run by their son.

The couple retired in 2009 and moved full-time to Grove, where they began their second career as part-time cattle ranchers. They loved living on the lake, watching the magnificent sunsets from Linda’s flower-filled back patio, and finding a group of supportive friends at First United Methodist Church of Grove in their beloved “small group.”

Linda was adored by all who knew her, especially her six grandchildren. From her, they learned how to do backflips off the diving board (which Linda did until age 70), make the perfect root beer float, eat popsicles for breakfast, and enjoy a bubble bath with a cold drink in a fancy glass. She never ended a conversation with her grandchildren without saying, “I am so, so proud of you.”

Linda also was tremendously proud of her two children, Michael and Amber. With her fun-loving spirit at the helm, she led them in all types of family adventures. With her stellar memory, she would tell detailed stories about their shenanigans to the grandkids. She showed her love through action, kindness and cooking, and was known for her incredible meals, chocolate-chip cookies, and coconut-cream pies.

Linda is survived by her beloved husband, Sam, who resides in Grove; son Michael and his wife, Jennifer, of Tulsa; and daughter Amber Rhodes and her husband, Chad, of Claremore. She is also survived by grandchildren Makenzie Rhodes of Claremore, Julia Huckaby of Boston, Abby Rhodes of Stillwater, Kate Huckaby of Washington, D.C., Natalie Rhodes of Claremore, and Will Huckaby of Tulsa; sister Mary Jane Higgins and husband Curtis of Owasso; brother John Hunter and wife Kathy of Springfield, Mo., and sister-in-law Marylin McGinnis and husband Clark of Pleasanton, Kan. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Tom Hunter.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, April 27 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Grove, with Randy Matthews officiating.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Grove.