Linda Marie Orcutt

When reflecting on the life of Linda Orcutt, it is easy to see her loving, nurturing, and compassionate heart. She lived to tend to the needs of others whether her family, her patients, or those within her church community, and her kindness was greatly appreciated. Linda loved traveling, but what made all of her adventures so much more meaningful was sharing them with the ones she loved. Wise, hardworking, and diligent, she was inspiring to all who were near. Although she will be deeply missed, Linda leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

It seems only fitting that Lindas journey began during a time that was as vibrant as she was. It was the 1950s when James Dean, Elvis Presley, and Lucille Ball were becoming household names. Civil rights came to the forefront after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus, and by the end of the decade we welcomed both Alaska and Hawaii as our 49th and 50th states. It was during this eventful time that Harold I. and Phyllis J. (Ewers) Arnold were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the beauty of June unfolded in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1952. The big day finally arrived on June14th when the baby girl they named Linda Marie drew her first breath. She was one of four children in her family and was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, Freddie, Joseph, and Rita. As the oldest child, Linda was a bit of a perfectionist, and in most cases she could outdo her siblings.

In many ways Linda was a young girl of her generation. She was a 4-H member who helped her father raise livestock and rabbits. Linda also had a horse. She was a majorette in band as well as a member of the homemakers club. As a student at local schools, Linda went on to graduate from Columbia City Joint High School in 1970. She then attended Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne, earning her degree in nursing. This career was a perfect fit as she was a born nurturer. With a passion for her work, Linda worked as a registered nurse in Whitley and Koscuisko Counties for 45 years.

Not to be forgotten during her years as a young woman was Lindas introduction to the man of her dreams. His name was Lynn A. Orcutt, and it wasnt long after meeting that the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Linda and Lynn were married. An animal lover through and through, she was so excited to receive a Siamese cat named Ty for a wedding gift. Together they raised their two children, Tammy and Roy. First and foremost in Lindas life was her family, and she savored every minute that she had to spend with her husband and children. Later in life she was filled with unspeakable joy to witness her family tree blossom to include the grandchildren who made her so very proud.

Throughout her life Linda was a bustle of activity and a woman of many interests. She especially loved traveling and taking cruises including a two week cruise to the Mediterranean. Linda also had the time of her life on a West Coast trip from the north all the way down to the south along the coast, and she took a New England cruise and a Western Caribbean cruise. Linda made priceless memories on a trip to Disneyland, and she went to Canada and Mackinac Island as well. She was an avid reader who could often be found with her nose buried in a book, and when it came to movies, Grease was her favorite. When at home she enjoyed keeping busy in her flower and vegetable gardens as well as working with her chickens. For years Linda was a member of West Etna Community Church.

Truly beautiful on the inside and out, Linda Orcutt was such a blessing to everyone who knew her. She was passionate about the things she felt strongly about. When Linda had something to say, always being polite, she just waved her hand and finger. In everything she did, Linda was a woman of great strength and courage, and her ability to overcome was truly inspiring. Wise and knowledgable, she was someone others could count on for a piece of level-headed advice. Dearly loved, Linda will never be forgotten.

Linda Marie (Arnold) Orcutt, of Larwill, passed away at 7:04 p.m. on Thursday September 29, 2016. Lindas family includes her husband, Lynn A. Orcutt of Larwill; children, Tammy L. (Leitch) Roberts and Roy A. Orcutt; grandchildren, Bailey E. and GraceAnn Marie Leitch; siblings, Joseph L. (Sherry) Arnold and Rita (Nub) Waugh, all of Columbia City. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Phyllis Arnold and a brother, Freddie Wayne Arnold. Friends may callon Sunday October 2, from 12:00-5:00 p.m.at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services for Linda will be held immediately followingat 5:00 p.m.at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Linda may be made to West Etna Community Church. Visit www.demoneygrimes.comto sign the online guest register or to send a condolence.