Linda Louise Wasserbeck

Linda Louise Wasserbeck, 71, of Newcastle, OK, passed away on April 16, 2024.

Linda was born in Wichita, Kansas to Bill and Jean Riggs on December 2, 1952. The family moved to Oklahoma when she was a child. She graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1970.

Linda was married to Joe Wasserbeck on June 24, 1972; they were married 51 years. The first time Joe saw Linda he thought she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. He still can’t believe she chose him and changed his life in so many ways.

Linda worked in the restaurant industry for many years and became the manager of a very successful downtown cafe in Oklahoma City. She continued in the role until she decided to be a stay-at-home mom when expecting her second child. A few years after giving birth to her third child, she went back to work at Newcastle Public Schools where she eventually became a Special Education Paraprofessional at Newcastle Elementary in the special needs classroom. She loved that job and did it for around 20 years, even writing a book for one of her students to help them read. Newcastle First Baptist Church was her faith community. She served in many roles over the years including Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, choir member, and the amazing cook at Falls Creek for several summers. She was a master at making good, home-cooked food, and the kids loved her meals.

Linda is survived by her husband Joe, daughters Katie Miler (Josh) and Libby Wasserbeck, son Lucas Wasserbeck, two beautiful grandchildren Elizabeth “Lizzy” and Reagan, her mother Jean Riggs, brother Robert Riggs (Mona) and sister Debbie Waldon (Ray), several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her father Bill Riggs.

Linda was a devoted wife, sister, daughter, mother, aunt, friend, and grandmother. She loved making holidays and birthdays special for her family and always baked up a lot of goodies. It was not uncommon for her to wake up when everyone was visiting to make chocolate chip cookies and occasionally feed them to her grandchildren for breakfast. Linda was also an amazing seamstress who enjoyed blessing people with quilts, homemade toys and clothing. Katie’s wedding gown was one of her most beautiful creations. Love went into every stitch when she made you something.

If you needed a travel buddy, Linda was your gal. She loved to travel and was always up for an adventure. Over her lifetime, she had the opportunity to go overseas as well as visit several national parks, states, and even Graceland because she LOVED Elvis Presley. When on an adventure, you needed to be in good shape to keep up with Linda, as she wanted to see as much as possible and enjoy every minute of it.

Linda’s grandchildren loved her youthful spirit when running around laughing and playing with them - even pretending to be a horse and dragging them around in a makeshift chariot. They also remember fondly asking Grandma for anything…and she’d say “Okie Dokie” and laugh. Watching T.V.? - Okie Dokie; Eating ice cream? - Okie Dokie; Eating even MORE ice cream? - Okie Dokie. They are certain they never took advantage of this privilege.

Linda loved dancing and her taste in music included everything from Chris Tomlin to Janis Joplin. One of her favorite things was being in the choir and singing on Sunday mornings, and she loved to hear her children sing at church or school events. Even after the dementia took hold, she could sing her favorite praise songs when unable to express herself in any other way. No doubt she is singing once again at the feet of Jesus, whom she loved and served for many years.

Linda was a beautiful, vivacious, compassionate, and intelligent woman who will be sorely missed by those who knew her.

The funeral service will be held at 12pm on April 23 at First Baptist Church of Newcastle. Bill Spain will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 12-8pm on April 22 at John M. Ireland Funeral Home. Interment for the family will be at Newcastle Memorial Gardens at 10am. Funeral arrangements are under the direction and care of John M. Ireland Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to World Vision, which Linda supported for many years because of her love for children in need.

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