Linda Faye Babcock

Linda Faye Babcock, 81, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 31, 2026, with family by her side at Cedargate Nursing Home.

Linda was born on November 15, 1944, in Malden, Missouri, to Huel Hobbs and Veatrice Hobbs-Denbow.

On February 25, 1962, Linda married the love of her life, Orville Lee Babcock. Together, they built a life centered around love, family, and the countless memories they would share throughout their years together.

Linda was a dedicated and hardworking woman who took great pride in everything she did. She began her career at Montgomery Ward, where she faithfully maintained invoice records before becoming the manager of the service department. She remained there until the store closed in February 1986. Several years later, she began working at Kneibert Clinic in billing and medical coding, where she devoted many years of faithful service before her retirement.

Linda was a longtime member of Westwood Baptist Church, and her love for the Lord was an important part of who she was. She loved the Lord with all of her heart, and her faith was a precious part of her life. Her family finds comfort in the promises of God's Word and the hope of Heaven, knowing that for those who have placed their trust in Christ, goodbye is not forever.

To Linda, family was everything. She never needed a lot of recognition or anything extravagant to make her happy. She was perfectly content being Paul and Steve's mom and Orville's wife. Her family was her world, and loving them was what she did best.

Linda took great pride in her home and loved keeping it perfectly clean. Her family will forever remember the familiar sound of the vacuum cleaner coming down the hallway late at night, long after everyone had gone to bed. It was just one of those little things that made her who she was. Walking through her front door meant being greeted by the wonderful fragrance of mulberry candles and potpourri. Her home was always clean, welcoming, and filled with the comforts and familiar scents that will forever bring back memories of her.

Linda had a special love for Branson, Missouri, a place she always enjoyed visiting. She also had a deep appreciation for Southern Gospel music and especially loved attending Southern Gospel conventions. The uplifting songs, beautiful harmonies, and messages of faith brought her tremendous joy. These were more than just trips and concerts to Linda; they were opportunities to enjoy the music she loved and celebrate the faith that meant so much to her.

It wasn't the big things that defined Linda; it was the everyday moments, the familiar routines, the love she gave, the laughter she shared, and the home she created for the people she cherished. Those simple things became lifelong memories that her family will carry with them forever.

Linda's legacy is one of faith, love, devotion, and the importance of family. She will be remembered not only for the wonderful woman she was, but also for the warmth of her home, her unwavering love for her family, and the countless little things that made life with her so special.

She was loved beyond words, will be missed more than words can express, and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who were blessed to call her family.

Linda is survived by her two most precious sons, Paul (Tammi) Babcock and Steve (Tifani) Babcock; six grandchildren, Kristen (James) Albin, Megan (Jerrod) Jernigan, Lindsey (Justin) Yoebstl, Brandon Babcock, Paige Babcock, and Sydnie Babcock; five great-grandchildren, Ethan, Madison, Blake, Emersyn Rae, and Elliott; and one precious great-grandchild on the way, Eden. She is also survived by her brother, Larry (Susan) Hobbs.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Orville Lee Babcock; her father, Huel Hobbs; her mother, Veatrice Hobbs-Denbow; and her brothers, Rick Hobbs and Gary Hobbs.

Funeral services will be held at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m., with James Albin officiating. Burial will follow at Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Timothy Foundation.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Linda Faye Babcock. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com