Linda Gail Eitson

The world will be less bright with the passing of Linda Eitson, at a very mischievous and sassy, yet completely loveable, 71 years of age. Born in Grand Saline to the late Billie and Dorothy Barker, Linda lived her final years in the Pine Mills community outside of Hawkins. Linda, a licensed minister, inspired everyone who knew her with life as a warrior for Christ who volunteered her time as a prison chaplain; working with incarcerated women while serving on the board of the Christian organization, Women’s Aglow. Linda enjoyed spending her spare time making flower arrangements, going on shopping trips to the local Dollar Tree, making jokes and cutting up with her family. She was quick to laugh and quick to earn the nickname “Queenie” while wearing her tiara. She was also known to end her goodbyes with a quick “meow meow”. Linda is survived by her soulmate, Ronald “Bakey” Eitson. The two met while Linda was a waitress at Terry’s, a small café in Canton, where Bakey would stop for coffee. This continued until Bakey gained the confidence to invite Linda on their first date where he asked to share a meal with her. On their second date, he asked her to share his Christmas fruit basket from his job at Tyler Pipe. On their third date, he asked her to share her life with him. In April, surrounded by family and friends, Bakey and Linda celebrated 50 years of love, laughter, jokes, hand holding and sweet endearments. Above all else, Linda loved her family. She is leaving behind, brother Dennis Barker of Tyler, sister, Annette Barton and husband, Kevin, of Chandler. Daughter, Becky “Jerri” Eitson and son, Ronnie Eitson, Sr, both of Tyler, daughter, Rhonda Meazell and husband, John, of Hawkins, and son, Rodney Eitson and wife, Samantha of Grand Saline. Her beloved grandchildren will cherish the sweet, loving memories of their “Nanny”. Missing the sparkle in her eye will be grandson, Phillip Stegall, wife, Ashley and children, Seth, Traci and Zoe of Tyler. Grandson, Ronnie Eitson, Jr. and children, Ronnie,III, Abigail, Mason, and Tobias of Gladewater. Granddaughter, Jessica McGrath, husband, Chris and children, Alexis and Bentley of Elgin. Granddaughter, Stephanie Stapp, husband, Andy and children, Luke and Liam of Taylor. Granddaughter, Brittany Ball, husband, William and fur-baby, GoJo of Springdale,WA. Granddaughter, Shelbie Weiss, husband, Troy and children, Garrett and Adalyn of Santa Ana. Granddaughter, Maddie Boughton and fur-babies, Frankie and Artemis of Mineola. Linda’s family also includes numerous nieces, nephews and loving friends who will dearly miss her love of the colors pink and purple, her graciousness and her warm, bubbly personality. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith", 2 Timothy 4:7