Linda Faye Abel

Linda Faye Abel passed away May 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, faith, and devotion to those she loved most.

Linda was born January 6, 1946, in Cyril, Oklahoma, to John Henry Baker and Wanda Mayne (Parsons) Baker. She was raised in Walters, Oklahoma, where she grew up active in school and community organizations including 4-H, Pep Club, Home Economics Club, and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. She graduated from Walters High School in 1964, before attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Home Economics.

While attending college, Linda met the love of her life, Dick Abel, during homecoming festivities. The couple married on September 6, 1969, in Walters, Oklahoma, beginning a beautiful marriage that spanned more than fifty-seven years. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and creating a warm and welcoming home wherever life took them. Their honeymoon was spent at the historic Camelot Hotel in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a memory she cherished for years.

Linda was a devoted homemaker whose greatest joy came from caring for her family. She had a gift for making every holiday, gathering, and ordinary day feel special. An exceptional cook and baker, she lovingly hosted family meals and celebrations, making sure no one ever left her table hungry as well as having their favorite dessert. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting, decorating, and creating clothing for her daughters when they were young. Later in life, she especially treasured making blankets for her grandsons.

Linda and Dick spent several years living in Montana, a place that held a special place in her heart. She deeply loved the mountains, nature, and family vacations to Glacier National Park. Even after returning to Oklahoma, Montana remained one of her favorite places and many cherished family memories were made there. In 2012, Linda and Dick purchased their dream home in Marion, Montana. Always making the summer trips special for her family and especially her grandsons.

She also had a lifelong love for playing the piano, music and entertainment. Linda enjoyed 1950s and 1960s music, especially big band favorites and the songs of Neil Diamond. She never missed an episode of The Golden Girls, and those who knew her well remember her playful sense of humor and the joy she found in everyday moments.

Linda adored her miniature schnauzers and had many beloved pets throughout her life. Above all else, however, she loved her family fiercely. Her husband, daughters, grandsons, and extended family were the center of her world. She took immense pride in caring for and spoiling the people she loved most.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Dick Abel, of the home; two daughters, Kellie Welch and husband Brad of Ardmore, Oklahoma, and Dixie Torres and husband Brian of Cleveland, Oklahoma; her mother, Wanda Mayne of Walters, Oklahoma; three grandsons, Garrett Welch of Norman, Oklahoma, Brady Torres and Baylor Torres of Cleveland, Oklahoma; along with a host of other relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Baker, and two sisters, Barbara Bailey and Patsy Jonas.

Linda will be remembered as talented, caring, selfless, and deeply devoted to her family and faith. Her gentle spirit, loving heart, and unwavering dedication to those she loved will be missed beyond measure and treasured always.