Linda Elaine Durrer (nee Evans) was a caring mother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and dear friend to everyone she met. She left us suddenly and too soon, on February 16, 2024 at a young 74 years of age.
Linda was born to Herbert Leeman Evans and Dorothy Bernice Brakefield on January 15, 1950 in Hillsboro, MO. Her twin sisters, Erna Kay and Myrna Mae “Michelle” followed 2 years later. The family relocated to Jerseyville, IL, near other Evans family members. Unfortunately, her mother developed terminal cancer, bringing the young family back to the Brakefield family farm outside of Steelville, MO. While her father returned to Jerseyville for work, 6-year-old Linda and her 4-year-old sisters were mostly raised by her grandparents Gerome and Katy Evans on their farm in Crawford County, MO. She loved this time, surrounded by family, and the many Evans relatives that would visit.
While in her teenage years, Linda’s father remarried, gathering his first and second families together in Hillsboro, MO, where Linda graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1967. Her yearbook quote “Always busy, never slow, she’s always on the go” seems a good one, as all who knew her can attest.
Linda married right after high school, and had 1 daughter, Ann Marie. She became a single parent soon after, eventually settling in the city of Affton, just south of St. Louis, and worked diligently to create a solid and secure home, sometimes working 2 jobs to make ends meet. At various points she was a real estate agent, a massage therapist, managed a women’s clothing store, and was a clerk for the St. Louis City Court, but mostly did secretarial work. In the 1970’s she worked at Sunline candy company, supplying the kids in her life with Wonka treats and SweeTarts. Later she found her niche running the offices of multiple plumbing companies – Spasnick, Dierkes, and Hoffman, where she found success using a combination of her organizational and customer management skills. She also did part time work assisting in court transcription, continuing into her “retirement”.
In addition to raising her daughter, she also relished her role of aunt to Jonathan, especially after his mother Erna Kay’s too early death. She loved and guided her family, felt a responsibility for and worried over everyone, whether they wanted her to or not.
Linda brought passion to any endeavor she tried. Whatever her focus was of the moment, she was ALL IN, and wanted to share it with everyone. She loved to dance – especially the Imperial in her younger years, and then Contra dancing in later years. She labored and created a beautiful garden at her cozy South City home. She took up pottery making, crocheting, and enjoyed playing all types of puzzles and games. Linda loved her weekly trivia nights and gathering with friends to rarely win a round. She was always curious to learn new things and meet new people. She loved laughing until she cried.
Linda adored all animals apart from snakes. In the past few years, she was dedicated to being a regular transporter for rescued pets, driving a relay leg on the weekends, and was always recruiting others to consider volunteering their time as well. Her tripod corgi, Gracie, was her perfect sweet companion.
Generous and kind, Linda was never hesitant to help someone in need. She engaged with and befriended many neighbors. Her nature was to make the world around her a better place. She would want everyone to remember her by being a little more kind to each other.
Linda is survived by her daughter Ann and son-in-law Jude, nephew Jonathan, honorary sister Dixie Lee, and numerous dear relatives and friends.
Funeral service is scheduled at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, Mehlville, on March 1, 2024: visitation at 9:30am; service at 1030am. Her ashes will be taken for burial and a brief service at Shoal Creek Baptist Church Cemetery near Steelville, MO, at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the upkeep of the Shoal Creek Baptist Church and Cemetery (envelopes at service), or Stray Rescue of St. Louis https://www.strayrescue.org/linda-durrer
I am so sad and sorry. The world is so much less without her wonderfulness here with us. Sending love. Susan
Although Linda and I were only friends for a short few years, I felt like I had known her so much longer and I will remember and treasure her friendship always. The world was a kinder, gentler place with Linda in it and she touched so many people with her thoughtfulness and caring soul. My heart goes out to her daughter, son-in-law, nephew and her loving dear friend, Dixie, and all that knew and loved her.. May God hold her forever, in his loving arms. Linda Kennedy
I did not know Linda when she was a Realtor but knew her when she was working in the plumbing industry. She was the best, so helpful and always fun. It was a honor to help her find her last home and we stayed friends after. She was an amazing gardener, pet lover and the sweetest. She will be missed very much. Catie Mooney