Linda Teddy Massengale Jaresh passed away on June 17, 2023. She was 82 years old. Linda was born in Cameron, Texas on July 5, 1940 to E.L. and Mary Massengale. Linda spent her early years in Maysfield, Texas. After her family moved to Freeport, she graduated from Brazosport High School in 1957.
After high school Linda moved to Dallas and met the love of her life, Wesley, at the SPJST Czech Hall in 1958. They were married on January 9, 1960. Linda and Wesley have been residents of Garland since 1962.
Linda was an integral part of the Garland community for over 60 years. She helped start the Garland Soccer Association and refereed youth, adult, and professional soccer games in the area. Linda was the president of the Altar Society at Good Shepherd Catholic Church and later became involved at St. Patrick Catholic Church. She was the executive director of the Miss Garland Scholarship Pageant for many years. Linda also became involved in the city government as a member of the Garland Planning & Zoning Commission. Linda and Wesley were very proud to have traveled with a delegation of city officials to visit Garland’s sister city, Luchu Township, Taiwan. Linda was a writer for The Garland News, and she developed a website that reported on events in and around Garland.
As the youngest of seven children, Linda relished being the baby of the family. As an adult, she enjoyed spending time with her siblings, especially during their yearly Sisters Weekend in La Grange. Her most cherished roles were wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Being a Ninna was her greatest joy.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, E.L. and Mary Massengale, brother Wallace, sisters Mary Lou, Dard, and Retie, brothers-in-law Dean and Son, and sisters-in-law Gloria and Marilou. She is survived by her husband Wesley, son Dale, daughter Denise and her husband Lou, son Don and his wife Colette, daughter Deana and her husband Cliff, grandchildren Adam, Jessa, Kayla, Jake, Will, Wes, and Wyatt, great grandchildren Ryder and Cannon, brother Jack, sister Carolyn and her husband Ed, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Visitation and funeral mass will be held in the chapel at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Rowlett on Monday, June 26, beginning at 1 p.m. Donations can be made in Linda’s honor to the American Stroke Association.
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