Linda Maples

Through the life she lived, Linda Maples was an inspiration to those around her. With her fun-loving ways and caring nature, Linda's love of life was evident. With ways all her own, she wove her love and bright smile into the lives of all, and for the many who came to know and love Linda, their hearts will never be the same.

The decade of the 1960s introduced an ever changing culture to the U.S. From fashion to music, an age of innocence was being lost to the freedoms so many longed for. The year 1963 was a tragic year politically with the assassination of JFK, Vietnam and the fight for civil rights. It was among these times of change on a warm summer's day when Walter Allen and Delores Marie (Rupple) Criss found a special light to brighten their days and to warm their hearts. On July 7, 1963 they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Linda.

Linda grew up alongside her siblings, William, Richard, James, and Carolyn. A bright spot indeed, Linda's smile could light up a room even from her earliest days. Linda's childhood was filled with adventure and playful times with her siblings and many friends. She experienced a fun and enjoyable childhood for the times where every kid in the neighborhood could be found zooming around on their bikes, and Linda was no exception. She loved bike riding and also had a great love for puppies and kittens. Linda and her family attended church, and she came to be a very active participant in all she did.

With Linda's infectious personality, she was a friend to many. She was known to be quite silly at times, and was very outgoing and personable. From a young age, Linda was the type of girl who genuinely cared for others. She was so full of life, many were instantly drawn to her side. She attended the area schools and very involved in cheerleading, she won many awards. Pep rallies brought additional excitement to the air whenever Linda was around She led a very active social life during her youth, and her weekends and summer days were filled with friends, parties, movies, bowling and roller skating. Linda absolutely loved roller skating.

Linda went on to graduate from Cherry Hill High School in 1981. She didn't pursue furthering her education, but instead landed a job with BJ's Restaurant. While working there, she met Gary Maples, the young man who would sweep Linda off her feet. After dating and falling in love, Linda and Gary were happily married on August 16, 1985.

There was nothing that brought Linda greater joy than becoming a mother to the five children she adored, Jason, Shawn, Dawn, Darren, and Randy. Linda loved being a mom and her children were everything to her. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for them, and placed their needs above all. Linda loved her husband deeply, and her children brought out the kid in her.

Linda was content being at home with the kids as a homemaker. As a family they went on an exciting Disney cruise and always shared memorable family gatherings at Christmas. The holidays were extra special to Linda and it was her favorite time of year. She always took time for family activities and get-togethers, especially at Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter.

Hard times befell Linda, but her inner strength proved to be a blessing in her life. Even after her eventual divorce from Gary and losing her job, Linda remained optimistic. Although she suffered from health issues and had little money, she continued to be the type of woman who would give the shirt off her back if someone else needed it. Through these days of difficulty and struggle, Linda was a driving force when it came to caring for her children. Life for a time was against Linda, yet she still managed and provided a way to care for her children who were everything to her.

Linda loved her family dearly. She never ceased in letting them know how important they were to her and reminded them of her love daily. Providing a sense of stability and security in their lives was a top priority for Linda, yet she had a way of putting a little spice in life and made each day a new adventure. Fun, loving, and outgoing, she in a sense brought out the life of own family, and that of her extended family, too.

Linda never ceased in placing the needs of others over her own. Always a lovable woman, she was outgoing, goofy, and filled the days of many with unmatched laughter. So full of energy, she could make anyone laugh. When Linda was undergoing much due to her illness, she pressed on for the love of her children and grandson. They kept her strong. She smiled and laughed often, and even while in pain she played with her beloved, "Boo", her grandson, Nathan. The delight of Linda's life was becoming a grandmother and he filled her days with joy. Linda counted her family as her greatest blessing.

Caring, loyal and full of love, Linda Maples was a special woman in the hearts of many. Not only a dedicated and devoted mother, grandmother and sister, she was an amazing friend. Linda was always sharing her love. Whether dressed in pink or blue, pink was Linda's color of choice and it clearly reflected the love and hope she held in her heart for those she so deeply loved.

On Sunday, December 10, 2013, Linda Maples, of Livonia, sadly passed away at the age of 50 following an extended illness. She is lovingly survived by her children, Jason, Shawn, Dawn, Darren, and Randy; her grandson, Nathan; former husband, Gary Maples; brothers, Bill, Richard, and Jim; and sister, Carolyn. We love you and miss you. May god give you peace, and rest.

Funeral services for Linda will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2013, 3:00 PM at Turowski Life Story Funeral Homes, Livonia-West of Middlebelt , 30200 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, MI 48154 734-525-9020 where friends may visit with her family from 1-3 PM prior to the service. To share a favorite memory or photo of Linda, and to sign her guest book, please visit www.TurowskiLifeStory.com.