Linda Endler Obituary

Linda D. Endler
Aiken - Linda D. Endler, 73, loving wife for 49 years of Alfred F. Endler, Jr (Rick), went to be with her Lord and Savior on 14 April 2021.
Linda grew up in Warner Robins, GA. In high school, Linda was a three-time All-State basketball standout, winning the GA State Championship her senior year. Linda's family also hosted a German exchange student, with whom Linda maintained a lifelong friendship.
Sharing love, joy, and faith with others, especially children, was central to Linda's life. Linda was a devoted educator who inspired many young people during her career, earning her undergraduate degree in psychology and her master's degree in Child Development and Special Education from the University of Georgia. She taught special education for four years, started the 3K Preschool at her church after moving to Aiken in 1976, and taught 5K and first grade at South Aiken Baptist Christian School for 24 years.
Linda was a dedicated member of St. John's United Methodist Church for over forty years, serving as President of United Methodist Women and a circle leader, helping with Apple Fest, teaching Sunday School, participating in the "Friends & Faith" Bible Study, ringing handbells, and serving on the Altar Guild. She made countless shawls, lap robes, and baby blankets for two yarn ministries, and she loved serving others through her involvement with the Shepherd of Love Program and Stephen Ministry.
Linda's embrace of adventure was illustrated by her extensive travels, both domestically and internationally, and she very much appreciated the time she & Rick lived outside the US while Rick was an Army officer. She also enjoyed living in Aiken, going to festivals and programs, as well as entertaining out of town friends and relatives so they could see the town's charms for themselves.
Reading was another favorite activity, supported by her participation in various book clubs, as were canning, baking, and sharing fellowship with friends over good food & drink. She was also an active member of several community organizations, including AAUW and Country Gardeners, and she enjoyed ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Christmas, participating in fund raisers for the Child Advocacy Center, and walking for Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and Relay for Life. As a certified therapy dog handler, Linda accompanied her beloved pet poodle to assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and the Bush Field airport to help anyone have a better day.
Linda is survived by her husband Rick, of Aiken, and their daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth Endler and Gary (Jimmy) Wells, of Katy, TX. She was predeceased by her parents Felder and Bea Smith, her daughter, Rebecca Lynn, and her brother, James Benjamin (J.B.) Smith. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Joan Smith, Hoschton, GA; nieces Julie (Jeff) Hocutt, Ft. White, FL, and Jill (Jeff) Hunter, Johns Creek, GA; sister- and brother-in-law Jo Ellen & Noel Robbins, Warner Robins, GA; nieces Sarah (David) Pitre, Fairhope, AL, and Mary Ellen (Chad) Miller, Brookhaven, GA; and numerous cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Funeral services will be held at St. John's United Methodist Church on Thursday, 22 April 2021, at 2:00 pm, with The Rev. Dr. W. Timothy McClendon and Rev. Grayson "Butch" Blackwell officiating. The service will be livestreamed on https://www.stjaiken.org and also on St. John's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stjohnsaiken. Virtual participation is highly encouraged. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; Trinity Hospice of Aiken, 690 Medical Park Dr Suite 200, Aiken, SC 29801; St. John's United Methodist Church, 104 Newberry St NW, Aiken, SC 29801; or local education and literacy efforts in your community.
SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME,
715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC
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