Linda Kay Grigsby's Obituary
Dear Mom,
You did it. Sixty-one full years spent living and loving; years spent sharing your joy and sunshine with the world.
You were loved from the moment your life began as the cherished daughter of Dennis and Jean Rankin of Spokane, Washington. A rosy cheeked wonder with big blue eyes and a contagious smile.
Then you became big sister to your adoring fans; David Rankin led the charge as biggest little brother, followed close in ranks by your beloved and only sister Pamela Grimes with your 'Toto', Michael Rankin, bringing up the rear of the clan. Your siblings looked up to you and admired you your entire life. You inspired everyone to work hard, laugh often, and love with their whole being.
In your twenties, you captured the heart of the passionate Navy recruit, later turned artist, your eternal companion, Brian Grigsby. He was lucky enough to make you his bride midway through your 24th year.
And, as some things happen in the most unexpected ways, when you were 28 your family became complete with the adoption of your one and only shining light of a daughter, Danielle Grigsby. We became the Grigsby Twig, for we are small yet mighty; the fabulous three.
You graduated from Point Loma Nazarene College in California with your bachelors of nursing. You would go on to work as a nurse until the final year of your life, treating thousands upon thousands of souls with love and compassion in their hours of intense need. You, magical Linda, were their angel on earth.
As the years sped by, together your family navigated the sandy beaches of Coronado, California and the rocky coast of Bellingham, Washington, and the myriad places between. You then headed inland to the desolate landscape of North Dakota and the mountainous expanse of Northern Utah, finally settling into your dream life in sunny Southern Arizona.
Your home was brightened with animals: cats, dogs, and even for a short time, ferrets. Your days were brightened by your love for your church and church community. You traveled and sewed and crafted and baked, for you were the surest centerpiece of our family. You were the rock.
You got cancer a few months before your 60th birthday. You fought back. You showed us once again what bravery looks like. You dressed up and brought presents to the chemo ward for every holiday, you wore blue wigs for colon cancer awareness, you made Easter baskets and Santa hats. You brought love and joy and peace to every person in the cancer center, even in the toughest moments of your life, you were caring for others.
Through your last weeks you were the beautiful, sweet, and gentlest soul we will ever have the opportunity to know. Your adoring daughter and devoted husband held your hands through the last moments of your life, never leaving your side, surrounding you with love.
What’s your fondest memory of Linda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Linda?
Share a story where Linda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Linda you’ll never forget.
How did Linda make you smile?
