Linda Marie Lester

Linda Marie Owens Lester was born in the town of Britton, Oklahoma, on March 24, 1944, as the youngest child of Ray and Ruth (Smith) Owens. Linda grew up in Britton, attending Britton Baptist Church and Britton Elementary. Her mother, Ruth, owned and operated a beauty shop in their home, where Linda was known as the prankster among her mom’s clients. Some of Linda’s fondest childhood memories were escaping the summer heat by going to the movies with her brother, Larry.

She graduated from John Marshall High School in 1963, where she was a standout basketball and volleyball player. After earning a degree in education from Central State College, she taught special education at Culbertson Elementary School. While teaching, Linda pursued and earned her master's degree in education.

In 1972, Linda’s sister, Nora Owens, introduced her to Dr. Boyd Lester. The two later married in 1979 at Linda’s mother’s house. After their marriage, Linda became a familiar face in Dr. Lester’s office, always welcoming patients with warmth and kindness.

Linda’s greatest joy in life was the surprise gift of becoming a mother and later, a grandmother. On August 10, 1981, after 28 hours of labor, she and Boyd welcomed their daughter, Laura Ray, into the world. Boyd often said of Linda and Laura, "When one of you inhales, the other one exhales."

The family of three, along with many pets, made cherished memories on 38th Street in Oklahoma City before moving to Double Diamond Farms in Rush Springs, Oklahoma, in 1991. Though she had always been a city girl, Linda quickly realized she had never felt more at home than she did on a farm. She created a beautiful, welcoming home and even opened an antique store in town. Noticing that the town museum had fallen into disrepair, she fully restored and reopened the Rush Springs Town Museum (The Hampton House) in 1993.

Linda was very active in Laura’s schooling, always stepping up as a class parent, eager to help, and the biggest supporter of every activity. To this day, Laura’s classmates fondly remember the wonderful class parties in the Big Barn. Many of Laura’s childhood friends often sought comfort and guidance from Linda, knowing her home was always a safe space. Linda also served on the town Library Board for several years.

A passionate historian, Linda devoted much time and energy to genealogy. Her family’s connection to American Indian heritage inspired her decades-long collection of Native American artifacts. Walking into the Lester home felt like stepping into a museum. She “dragged” Boyd and Laura to many powwows and auctions, ensuring that history was honored and preserved.

Some of Linda’s fondest memories were made on the farm, during her travels, and in the summers, she spent in Santa Fe with her daughter. She was a devoted wife, never leaving Boyd’s side through his battle with cancer, and she was with him in his final moments.

Linda was a true Mama Bear, fiercely protective and loving. Her heart expanded even more when she became Grammy to Aida and Henry Haggard. Grammy and Aida were known for getting into mischief together, shopping sprees to Dollar General, books, and even in her final months, Grammy somehow always lost to Aida when playing Old Maid or UNO. Grammy and Henry bonded over a mutual love of tractors, animals, Hershey chocolate, and napping.

Linda shared a special connection with her son-in-law, Stuart. They enjoyed talking about her old 1948 green Chevrolet truck, solving puzzles on the Wheel of Fortune, and having deep conversations about life.

A lover of all creatures, Linda was kind, gentle, quiet, and accepting. Though she had struggled with weak lungs since infancy, they carried her through 80 strong and beautiful years. In her final moments, she let Laura and Stuart know she was ready, and that God was waiting to reunite her with her beloved parents, Boyd, Nora, Larry, and countless cherished animals.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, sister, brother, and husband. She is survived by her daughter, Laura and husband Stuart Haggard, and their children, Aida and Henry, of Oklahoma City, as well as Carol Lester of Rush Springs, Oklahoma.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, March 29 at 1:00 pm at the Southern Baptist Church in Rush Springs, Oklahoma.