Linda Rollins, age 75, took her last breath at 1:15 am Monday, August 12, 2024, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, IN with her devoted daughter and partner by her side.

Linda was born on February 25, 1949 in Danville, IL, to Ralph Rollins and LaVone (Jenkins) Rollins, who precede her in death. Linda had a lovely childhood filled with joy thanks to her family. Her father was fiercely protective while her mother was warm hearted and nurturing. She spent much of her time with cousins, and built lifelong friendships with neighbors and classmates. Her world changed after the sudden and unexpected death of her mother when Linda was just 21 years old. She went on to help raise her little brother and learned to navigate life with her new stepmother while forming bonds with her stepbrothers and stepsister after her father remarried. She eventually met and fell in love with Marguerite and moved from Illinois to Marion, Indiana to start a life with her. In 1982 she gave birth to their daughter, Chelsea. From that moment on, Chelsea not only changed her world but became her world. Nothing came close to the love she had for her daughter until the much anticipated birth of her twin granddaughters in October of 2016. Linda held many titles in her life, but that of grandma was her most cherished. Though she only had just short of 8 years with them, she instilled in Ella and Charlotte the feeling of true unconditional love and they will carry that in their hearts forever. She was their protector, their confidante, and their best friend.

Linda worked at the VA Northern Indiana healthcare system at both the Marion and Fort Wayne Campuses for 33 years. Her career began as a nursing assistant caring for psychiatric patients. She moved on to work in the housekeeping department and eventually was selected for her first supervisory role in the laundry service. That was when her leadership abilities began to bloom. She had a way with people, she lead with kindness and understanding and always got the job done. In an effort to better herself and nurture her talent for writing and story telling she joined the local Toastmasters International group. Linda excelled at public speaking and formed strong friendships through this organization. She pursued and achieved the highest rank in Toastmasters and was known as a 'Distinguished Toastmaster'. She was manager for the Federal Women's Program, a union steward, worked with the mentor program and CFC as well as the VA employee association. Linda's most enjoyable position she held while at the VA was working in medical service with all of 'her doctors', as she referred to them. They were not only her coworkers, but true friends and the camaraderie she shared with them made a lasting impression in her life. She ended her career at the VA as the chief of environmental management service. Linda had been told by many former employees that she was the best boss they ever had.

Linda loved the beach and sticking her toes in the sand. Her favorite vacation destination was Hawaii, with one of her most memorable moments being the beautiful beach wedding of her daughter and son in law. She was a hardcore democrat and proudly volunteered with the Hillary Clinton Presidential Campaign. Linda looked forward to trying new restaurants and foods and frequented the farmers markets in Fort Wayne on the lookout for heirloom tomatoes and sugar baby watermelons. She was also an avid IU basketball fan during the Bobby Knight years and recently started following the Indiana Fever WNBA team. Linda liked to keep in touch with friends and family through Facebook. She looked forward to posts and messages from her treasured friends, many of whom she had known for over half a century. Linda touched the lives of so many in her 75 years on this Earth and will rest peacefully knowing her legacy of love and kindness lives on in her daughter and granddaughters.

Linda is survived by daughter, Chelsea A. (Allen) Grindley, of Fort Wayne, twin granddaughters, Ella & Charlotte Grindley, her life partner, Maguerite A. Gilmour, a brother, Joseph Rollins of Warsaw, IN, a niece, Karissa (Josh) Brooksher of Marion, IN, and her beloved dog Sami.

Funeral services for Linda Rollins will take place at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne, IN,. with a visitation prior from 12 noon to 2:00 pm. Cremation will follow services at Divine Mercy Crematory.

Donations

Memorial donations in honor of Linda Rollins may be made to the Go Red for Women campaign through the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be left at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com