On the morning of June 2, 2016, Linda Marie Waters, 69, of Plainview and formerly of Hale Center, passed away peacefully at Covenant Hospital in Lubbock, TX. Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, June 6, 2016, at Hale Center Church of Christ with Mr. Bill Smith and Mr. Walter Cox officiating. Interment will be at 3:30 P.M., Monday, June 6, at Resthaven Memorial Park in Lubbock under the direction of Ramage Funeral Directors of Hale Center. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Sunday, June 5, 2016, in the Family Center at Ramage Funeral Directors in Hale Center.

Linda Payne was born in Matador, TX on September 30, 1946. She was the oldest of three daughters born to Rubin and Essie Payne. She went to school in Petersburg, TX. While working as a carhop at a drive-in in Plainview, TX, she finally accepted the final request of many for a date from Floyd Waters of Hale Center. The two became one when they were married at Hale Center Church of Christ on October 6, 1962. She worked alongside Floyd at the same agriculture retail location for 44 ½ years. They raised two Christian sons, James and Keith Waters. 1 Corinthians 13 says "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." Anyone who knew Linda knew her life embodied this scripture. She loved everyone she met. Hugs were her preferred greeting. She loved children and treated each one like they were the center of the universe. She enjoyed crocheting, especially baby blankets. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, butterflies, balloons, and angels. Her battle with melanoma cancer, her recovery, and her continued struggle with the lasting effects of treatment inspired many people. Her strong marriage to Floyd for 54 years also inspired and set a standard for many marriages. She was the mother of two boys, but many considered her their second mom. She is preceded in death by her parents, Rubin and Essie Payne and her son James Waters.

She is survived by her husband Floyd Waters of Plainview, son Keith Waters and his wife Jennifer of Lubbock, her daughter in law, Sherri Dement and her husband Randall Dement of Lubbock, her sister, Teresa Gibson and her husband Sid of Lubbock and sister, Celia Mohling of Lubbock, and grandchildren Brenna Mae Waters, Cassidy Waters, Calvin Dement, and Max Dement.

Memorials in Linda's name can be made to the LCU Development Office for the James Waters Scholarship Fund 5601 19th ST Lubbock TX 79407 or Blue Haven Youth Camp, Inc. P.O. Box 92156 Southlake, Texas 76092