On May 22, 2021 Linda McDowell entered her eternal home with peace, grace and dignity after a long battle with cancer.
Linda was born October 14, 1947 in Burlington, Iowa to Merle and Louise (Mason) Smith. Linda met her soulmate Ronald “Jake” McDowell in 1986 and they were united in marriage on February 11, 1995.
Linda was a graduate of New London High School. She worked at Mt. Pleasant Mental Health, several secretarial positions and retired from Metro Mail in Mt. Pleasant, as a human resource assistant. After retiring, she worked at Van Vorhies Haus and then did interior painting with Cindy Hayes. Linda spent several years giving of her time to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, H2O (Help to Others) Organization and was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Country Club. Linda was passionate about giving back to others and spent time donating blood. She was known for her beautiful kind ways to all and her kind compassionate spirit. She cherished time with Jake at their cabin on the Skunk River. Always a highlight was being with family and friends, playing games, being near water, fishing, decorating her home and entertaining special friends.
To all of the many friends who were there to love and help her through the last 18 months “Thank You” as it was a precious gift to her. Linda was of the Christian faith and faced death knowing her loving Father was calling her home where she would begin her first day in Heaven, free at last of earthly bonds.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three husbands, several aunts and uncles.
Survivors include, children Michael (Verna) Miller of Elbert, CO, Jason (Angie) Bishop of Ottumwa, Tom (Sara) McDowell of Oskaloosa, Tony (Natalie) McDowell of Mt. Pleasant, Terri McDowell of Ottumwa; 11 grandchildren and a great grandchild.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 4, 2021 at Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. A private memorial service will follow at 1:30 p.m. for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Henry County Relay for Life, New London Christian Church and EveryStep Hospice. Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is caring for Linda and her family.