Linda Ann Yeatts Smith

Born September 30, 1941, in Ellsworth, Kansas, Linda Ann Yeatts Smith peacefully passed away on December 13, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and more stories than could ever fit into print.

Known affectionately as "Mom," "Lulu," "Nana," "Mami," and sometimes just "Linda," she was the kind of woman who could light up a room—usually with her unfiltered honesty, whether you were ready for it or not.

Linda was preceded in death by her loving parents, Cleo R. Ridley Yeatts Hood and Oather Yeatts, as well as her beloved husband, Jon (Mike) Smith. Linda and Mike's love story began with a start on October 25, 1958, when they eloped to Gainesville, Texas. Saying their vows before Reverend Smallwood, their teeth chattered—possibly from the October chill or, more likely, from nerves for fear of what their parents might say—but 58 years later, they still agreed it was the best decision they ever made. Their union became the bedrock of a family Linda adored.

After graduating from Krum High School, where she proudly cheered as one of Krum's first cheerleaders, Linda and Mike began married life in New Jersey during Mike's Army service. There, Linda discovered two important truths: always check the oven before baking, and Mike didn't appreciate raisins—or cockroaches—in his lemon pound cake.

They bought a home in Garland, TX, where they adopted their children, Gina and Scott, and made numerous lifelong friends, all of which knew she was a great talker and an even better listener. Later they moved to Sachse, TX, enjoying camping trips to Lake Palestine and numerous life events. Finally, they moved to Denton, TX, into Mike's family home, and enjoyed the charms it had to offer, including buried treasure in the back yard (toilets and other household appliances), a treehouse for the grandchildren, and multiple rope swings that eventually grew into the limbs of the trees. She decorated each of their homes with care and attention to detail, using her creativity to bring a whimsical flare to every space. It was important to her to provide a fun, comfortable, and personalized environment for every inhabitant, and she did it with style and taste.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Gina M. Smith, and her son-in-law, John Thurman; her son, Scott Smith, and daughter-in-law, Brandy Smith; her grandson, Blake Schmidt, and his wife, Sabra Schmidt; her granddaughter, Sydni Thurman, and her husband, Austin Gunter; her great-niece, Cheyanne Gideon Taylor (who she thought of as a granddaughter); and countless nieces, nephews, and adopted family friends. Linda's love had no boundaries—it was as big as Texas and twice as warm.

Her life was a testament to love, family, and unshakable resilience. Though our hearts are heavy with her passing, we're endlessly grateful for the laughter, lessons, and love she left behind. Linda taught us that life is richer when it's shared with family and friends, and that a little sass never hurt anyone.

In honor of Linda's life, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Ukraine Institute of Traumatherapy https://uit.org.ua/ — a cause close to her heart. We also encourage you to hug your loved ones a little tighter.

Services will be held at DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas on February 14th at 10:00 am with an interment service at DFW National Cemetery to follow at 2:15 pm where Linda and Mike's ashes will be laid to rest together.