Linda Ann Johnson (Rucker), lovingly known as the matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, at the age of 85, in Whitesboro, Texas.

Linda was born on February 26, 1941, to James Franklin “Frank” Rucker and Dorothy Nell (Giles) Rucker. She married Travis Allen Johnson, on July 4, 1958, in Durant, Oklahoma. Together they shared 53 years of marriage and were blessed with three children: Denise (Jim Bob), Jeff (Coryann), and Jim Ed (Becky Jo).

Linda was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren: Dalton (Bethany), Harlee (Brock), Dillon (Kiley), Hadley (Trenton), Cally (Conner), and Luke (Lilly). She was also the cherished great-grandmother of ten great-grandchildren: James Paul “JP”, Bailey, Brindyl, Magnolia, Breckon, Augustus, Cayson, Wade, Teagen, and Emerson. Her greatest joy was her family, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

A lifelong resident of Celina, Texas, Linda was deeply rooted in her community. As a young woman, she was crowned Homecoming Queen and enjoyed playing basketball during high school. After becoming a mother, she devoted many years to coaching youth softball.

Throughout her life, Linda was known for her strong work ethic and willingness to serve wherever she was needed. She worked at the local movie theater and drug store, helped Dr. R. O. McNabb to establish his medical practice, and later worked at a fertilizer plant, the grain elevator, the Celina Co-op Gin, the Prosper Co-op Gin, and the original Bobcat Kountry, where she often worked nights.

Anyone who knew Linda knew that feeding people was one of the many ways she showed her love. One of her favorite traditions was preparing meals for her children’s weekly rodeos. Family and friends naturally gathered around her van, where she always had an incredible spread waiting—fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, pimento cheese, fried pies, and so much more. Her cooking brought people together and created memories that will be treasured for generations.

Linda was also an exceptionally talented seamstress. Whether making, mending, or repairing clothing, she was always ready to help anyone in need. She sewed countless cheerleading uniforms, bridesmaids’ dresses, nursery bedding sets, curtains, and doll clothes. She took great pride in every stitch, and if the cleaners didn’t press the pleats in one of her cheer uniforms to her standards, she wasn’t afraid to get out her own iron and make them perfect herself.

Above all, Linda will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her generous heart, her servant’s spirit, and the countless ways she made those around her feel loved and cared for. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished and the many lives she touched.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Travis Allen Johnson; her parents, James Franklin “Frank” and Dorothy Nell Rucker; and her brother, Don Rucker.

She leaves behind her three children; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; extended family; and a host of friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 109 S. Oklahoma Dr., Celina, Texas, 75009. Interment followed at Cottage Hill Cemetery in Celina. The family received friends during a visitation one hour prior to the service at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at the funeral home.