RIP Linda Warken

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Schroon Laker Linda May Warken. She was 66. From her official obit:

Linda May Warken, 66, of Pottersville went home to be with the Lord on February 4, 2016 after a long struggle with breast cancer. Her devotion to family, and strong faith in Jesus Christ supported her through her struggle and gave her peace in her final days.

Linda was born to Harry and Millie Bollback in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 8, 1949. She spent her early years on the mission field in Brazil, working alongside her family with the Xavanti Indians. Her passion for sharing the love of Christ was evident at a young age, and in 1972 she returned to the mission fields of Brazil as a single missionary.

Linda was blessed with a large and loving family. She married her best friend, Richard Warken on August 30, 1975 in Schroon Lake, NY. They shared a true passion for sharing the gospel, and in 1976 travelled to Mexico for language training before heading to Barcelona, Spain where they spent 12 years founding the local Spanish Word of Life Ministry. They were blessed with three loving children.

After returning to Schroon Lake, New York in 1988, Linda worked as a Kindergarten and Spanish teacher at Mountainside Christian Academy where her passion for people continued to shine. Countless children sat in her classroom, benefiting from her kind and warm spirit – reminded daily that they were loved by “Mrs. Warken” and most importantly loved by Jesus.

Linda is survived by her husband, Rick; her children John, Andy and Cindi and their spouses Kristen, Emily and Kurt and her parents Harry and Millie; her siblings Larry, Elizabeth and Suely; her grandchildren Lily, Claire, River, Bode, Ridge, Jack, Luke and Mae.

There will be visitation hours at Kelly Funeral Home in Schroon Lake, New York on February 7, 2016 from 1 to 4 pm. A Celebration of Linda’s Life will be held at the Jack Wyrtzen Center at Word of Life Bible Institute on Monday February 8 at 3:30 pm with a reception to follow at Mountainside Bible Chapel. The family gratefully declines flowers, but donations would be gladly accepted in her name for The Mountainside Christian Academy Scholarship Fund.