A Life Well Lived....

Some people simply attend life’s celebrations. Linda Faye Rothwell created them. Whether it was a backyard cookout, a birthday party, a softball game, a school pep rally, or a family reunion, Linda made sure everyone felt welcome, everyone had something to do, and everyone left with a smile. She believed life was meant to be enjoyed, and because of her, countless memories were made that her family will treasure forever.

Linda Faye Rothwell, 73, entered peacefully into eternal rest on June 13, 2026. Born on September 10, 1952, to James Hendrix, Linda lived a life overflowing with laughter, creativity, generosity, and an extraordinary love for her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and lifelong best friend, Jack Rothwell; her father, James Hendrix; her sister, Shirley Smart; and her son-in-law, Aaron Williams.

She is survived by her son, Shawn Rothwell and his wife, Shayne; her daughter, Jennifer Williams; her sister, Tammy Brummett; her brothers, Ricky Hendrix and wife Janett and Jerry Hendrix and his wife, Dinna; ten grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Linda never met a stranger. She had a way of making everyone feel like family. Her laughter was contagious, her imagination endless, and her heart big enough to welcome anyone who crossed her path. She wasn’t just the life of the party—she was the reason the party happened.

Linda’s love for young people extended far beyond her own family. She spent years playing church league, city league, and tournament softball before coaching her children’s teams, where she became a mentor and encourager to countless young athletes. She invested her time in school activities, supported students however she could, and celebrated their accomplishments as if they were her own. Many children grew into adults carrying memories of Coach Linda’s laughter, encouragement, and belief in them. She touched far more lives than she ever realized.

Linda had an incredible gift for bringing people together. She hosted birthday parties for entire classrooms, welcomed students into her home for school pep rallies, and made every holiday, birthday, and family gathering feel like a celebration. Her backyard became the backdrop for countless treasured memories filled with swimming, volleyball, basketball, badminton, croquet, fishing, three-wheeler rides, four-wheeler rides, laughter, and love. She never sat on the sidelines—she was right in the middle of the fun. Linda was truly a big kid at heart.

Linda retired from the advertising department of the El Dorado News-Times, where her creativity flourished. She also shared her artistic talents by designing school annual layouts for many years and continued creating artwork throughout her life.

More than anything, Linda treasured her entire family. She loved gathering everyone together and believed that life’s greatest blessings were the memories made with the people you love. She and Jack built a home where family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who needed a place to belong were always welcome. Their home was where traditions were born, laughter echoed, and lifelong memories were made.

Linda’s greatest legacy isn’t measured only by the family she leaves behind, but by the thousands of memories she created and the countless lives she touched. She made people feel seen, included, celebrated, and loved.

If you were fortunate enough to know Linda, chances are you have a story to tell—game she coached, a party she hosted, a laugh you shared, a word of encouragement she gave, or a memory she helped create. That is the measure of a life well lived, and it is the legacy she leaves behind.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Proctor Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11:00AM Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Bethesda Cemetery.