Linda L. Silvas
Linda Louise Silvas of Charlotte, beloved “Old Woman” (a nickname given to her by her grandson, Kenny), died February 11, 2019, just a short four months after her beloved husband passed. Linda, 76, was born December 12, 1942 in Charlotte, to Elwood and Eunice (Fladeboe) Whitinger. Linda was the youngest of five sisters, with one brother younger than her. Linda worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility for several years, and then on the line at AE Hoover until they closed. She was a regular at Firekeepers Casino, and QVC Queen shopper with daily deliveries to make sure she had a gift for every occasion.
With a very large extended family on both parents’ sides, family gatherings were always happening and Linda relished her large family and knowing the scoop of any family story. Mexican food was one of Linda’s specialties, she made great tortillas and Spanish rice, as well as amazing fudge and all kinds of special recipes. She loved to share her huge garden and taught many of the neighborhood kids about vegetable growing. A “Master Planner” for all occasions, Linda even chose the photos to use for her own memorial service during her final days. A master at putting everyone else first, she always made sure that her children, and then her grandchildren, had what they needed.
Linda is survived by her children, Jodie (Steve) Driver, Rob (Michelle) Silvas, Amy (Aaron) Sawatzki and Angel (Eric) Bartlett; grandchildren, Jennifer (Thomas) Hoffman, Kenny (Annalesha) Silvas, Todd (Sarell) Driver, Rikki (James) Shepherd, Randi Sawatzki, Robby (Kayla) McElhaney; great-grandchildren, Martina and Landon Hoffman, Devin and Drake Silvas, Aubrie and Kameron Driver, Madeline and Gemma Shepherd, Stevie and Raelynn Sawatzki, Ellie Mae and baby due in July, McElhaney; great-great-granddaughter, Dylan Rae; siblings, Wilma Campbell, Leila Whitinger, John (Sue) Whitinger; and many nieces and nephews and cousins. She leaves behind her husband’s large extended family as well.
She is predeceased by her husband, Matt; sisters, Lucille Tuckey and Marion Whitinger; brothers-in-law, Joseph Tuckey, and and Norman Campbell; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Linda’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Monday, February 18, 2019, at 3 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation is prior to the service, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to American Diabetes Association or Eaton Community Palliative Care.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Linda on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.