Linda Lou Hawkins

Small in stature, mighty in love, and unforgettable to all who knew her.

Linda Hawkins, 76, passed away on October 19, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of beautiful memories, an extraordinary legacy of love, and a family forever changed by having been loved by her.

Linda was a woman who stood just five feet tall, but her strength, love, and presence were larger than life. Fierce, loyal, outspoken, and endlessly devoted to the people she loved, Linda was truly one of a kind. To know Linda was to be loved by her, and if she loved you, you never had to question it.

At the heart of Linda’s beautiful life was her husband of 54 years, Robert Hawkins, lovingly known as Bob. Together, Linda and Bob built a life that so many could only dream of — one filled with love, laughter, adventure, family, and an unwavering commitment to one another. Their marriage was more than a partnership; it was a beautiful example of what a lifetime of love should look like. Through every season of life, they stood side by side, building not only a home but a family rooted in love, loyalty, and togetherness. They were, and always will be, the pillars of their family.

Linda was the proud mother of her eldest daughter, Tammy Hawkins, and her son, Scooter Hawkins. She was also a loving stepmother to Laurie (Chuck) Hansen and LeAnna Tinsley, who preceded her in death. Each of her children held a special place in her heart, and the family they created became one of her greatest joys.

Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren, Steven (Brandi) Hawkins, Blake Hawkins, Chase Hawkins, Brayden Bingaman, Cody (Demaree) Wheeler, Alyssa (Stephen) LaGrange, Jenna Hansen, Jacque Bloss, and Loren (Eric) LaGrand.

Linda was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren who brought even more joy and purpose to her life: Era Hawkins, Jourden Bloss, Billy Hawkins, Godric LaGrand, Amir Harris, Bryson Harris, Jaxon LeGrand, Andrew LaGrange, Quinn Wheeler, Garrett LaGrange, Mariah Crow, Mason Crow, and Lily Lange.

Being a grandmother and great-grandmother wasn’t simply a role Linda held; it was one of her greatest accomplishments. After years of working in the RV industry, Linda retired to take on what may have been her most cherished position yet: professional grandma. It was a title she wore proudly, and one she fulfilled with every ounce of love she had to give. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren weren’t just part of her life; they were among the very best parts of it.

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Era Frances Spencer and Delmar Spencer; her brother, Danny Spencer; and her stepdaughter, LeAnna Tinsley.

She is also survived by her loving sister, Brenda Waterson; her niece, Christina McCormick; and her nephews, Lynn Motheral, Adam Motheral, and Justin Posey. She leaves behind many great-nieces and great-nephews, along with extended family and countless others whose lives were made better simply because Linda was part of them.

Linda knew how to enjoy life, and she made sure to do just that. She loved tending to her garden, spending time with her family, and going garage saling with her sister Brenda, always enjoying the thrill of finding a hidden treasure and, more importantly, the time they spent together. She also loved playing cards and heading to the casino with her dear friends, Sally and Becky. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling and making memories with the people she loved most. As the years passed, some of her greatest adventures became the simple moments spent surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Linda was well respected because she was unapologetically herself. She loved fiercely, protected those she cared about, and never hesitated to tell someone exactly what they needed to hear — whether they were ready to hear it or not. She could be five feet of pure fire when the occasion called for it, but behind that fierce spirit was a heart overflowing with love. Her honesty was part of her charm, her strength was undeniable, and her love was something you carried with you long after leaving her presence.

But perhaps the most beautiful part of Linda’s story is that she truly lived a wonderful life. Not because life was always perfect, but because she had what mattered most. She had Bob by her side for more than half a century, children and grandchildren who adored her, friendships filled with laughter, and a family that always knew where home was.

There are people who spend their entire lives searching for the kind of love, happiness, and belonging that Linda and Bob built together. They didn’t just share 54 years of marriage; they shared a lifetime of memories, a family that grew through generations, and a love that became the foundation for everyone around them.

Linda and Bob didn’t just build a life together. They built a family, a legacy, and a love that will continue for generations.

While our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort knowing she is reunited with those who went before her, including her beloved mother, Era Frances. We can only imagine the beautiful reunion waiting for her.

Five feet tall, with a heart bigger than life itself, Linda Hawkins leaves behind something that death can never take away: the love she gave, the family she helped build, and the countless memories that will keep her with us always.

Her life was beautiful. Her love was fierce. And her legacy will live on in every generation that follows.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever the heart of our family.

Visitation for Linda will be from 10am to 1pm Friday October 30, 2026 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 where services will be at 1pm. Burial will follow at Five Points Cemetery, Edwardsburg, MI. 

Memorials for Linda may be given to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at give.bcrf.org 

Online condolences may be left at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com