Linda Sue Hamilton Cottrell

Linda Sue Hamilton Cottrell, 67, passed peacefully from the arms of her loved ones into the arms of Jesus on Thursday September 21, 2023 after a valiant battle with cancer.

Linda was born in Owensboro on October 12, 1955, to the late Anna Mae Campbell and Joseph Charles Knight Jr. During her childhood she was given a lifetime of love from Mr. & Mrs. James and Mary Parson who acted as her special caregivers and taught her how to love others as if they were her own – a skill that Linda put to good use throughout her time on this earth.

After graduating from her local high school in 1973, Linda soon found herself surrounded by her four greatest accomplishments – her children: April Woodard; Danny Hamilton; Tracy Whistle and husband Brandon; Laura Peech and husband Matthew. Linda’s laugh was contagious and unforgettable, and she was never happier than when she was with her babies.  When her kids were little, it was never hard to find Linda…she could often be heard giggling while making mudpies in the yard or found bent over laughing at a story that one of her favorite four was telling her. If you followed the laughter, there she would be.

This love of family continued for all of Linda’s life, and she loved bringing her children together each and every year for their annual vacations.  She knew how important this time together was…whether they were in a beautiful beach home in Destin or on the water at Dale Hollow or Lake Barkley…the most important thing was that they were together. These memories will last each of them a lifetime and that is the only thing easing the pain of her absence.

A mother through and through, Linda didn’t limit her caregiving skills to her own children, and she went on to babysit (although this word will never seem quite adequate) a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends who became like family.  For over 11 years she kissed boo boos, changed countless diapers, fed bottles, and shared her love with the tiny little humans that lovingly called her “Mama Linda” and still do.

As her children got older, Linda found herself feeling called to care for people in a new capacity and she enrolled in nursing school at Henderson Community College where she graduated in 1991. She began working as a registered nurse at Daviess County Hospital and worked on 2-2, 3-5, CCU, and in the ER.  She then transitioned to working in home health, outpatient dialysis, and even completed a travel nursing assignment in Anchorage, Alaska (an experience that she never forgot and told everyone who she met all about this trip of a lifetime).  Just when she thought she might bounce around forever, she finally found her home at Baptist Health ICU.  Even after retiring in January 2021, Linda could not keep herself away from her work family and she continued working until she was no longer able to in July of 2022. If she said it once she said it 100 times, this was the best place she had ever worked all because of her wonderful coworkers.  Much like motherhood, Linda’s nursing career gave her a true purpose.

Linda’s life was full, so very full, and as you can see, she loved big and well. She loved her dogs, gardening, camping, being on the water (especially if it involved a fast boat and a pair of water skis), and anything that might be an adventure.  Speaking of adventures, did we mention that she recently went skydiving (not once…but twice)? She treasured every single second of the rush, and we were able to round out her bucket list with a hot air balloon ride in March.  What a beautiful day that was!

She was preceded in death by her parents and she is survived by three puppies: Maggie, Ginger, and Lucy;  four children; 11 grandchildren, who she treasured: Brittany Whistle, Brynn Eckstein (Elijah), Cameron Hamilton, Lyndon Woodard, Braden Whistle, Jayden Peech, Chandler Blandford, Kaydence Hamilton, Gavin Peech, Faith Blandford, and Grayson Hamilton; her sisters Peggy Lane and Joann (Ray) Underwood; extended family Caroline Cottrell and Lee Hamilton; and a host of lifelong friends and loved ones from all of her many walks of life.

Linda was known for many things – she was a maker of beautiful bouquets, a registered nurse, and the very best gift giver. Her signature move was to bring anyone she visited a bouquet of flowers. Her arrangements were simply the best and because of this, we ask that you live a little bit more like Linda.  So, in lieu of flowers go buy (or even make) a bouquet for someone you love.  Let them know just how much they mean to you…today…for tomorrow is never promised. Love and appreciate the people who are in your life.  Live like Linda and love in the moment.

Funeral services for Linda will be 4 PM Sunday, September 24, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory with visitation 1 PM Sunday until the time of her service.  Her burial will be in Owensboro Memorial Gardens.

Memories and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.