Linda Donahoo

Linda Sue Donahoo, nee Downing, peacefully departed this earth on July 23rd, 2018. A dedicated special education teacher for more than 40 years, she leaves behind a family who loves her and legacy that will survive for generations to come.

She is survived by sons, Douglas and Andrew, brothers Charles and Roger, and an extended family who will long remember Linda as a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend.

She was preceded in death by D.W. (Dennis), her husband of 43 years, and parents Harold and Shirley.

A graduate of Kansas State Teacher’s College (now Emporia State University) in 1972, she dedicated her life to teaching, touching the lives of students in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Connecticut. Linda married Dennis in 1973, and the two of them built a life of love, respect, and family.

As William Arthur Ward noted, “A great teacher inspires.” Linda Donahoo inspired countless students to achieve greatness on their terms, both in the classroom and beyond. She helped those who in previous generations would feel dismissed or discounted find their place and success in school and in life.

By far, her most challenging job as a teacher was raising two sons. With the help of Dennis, they helped Doug and Drew through the early years, angst-ridden adolescence, all the way to occasionally rocky adulthood. Throughout, we knew nothing but love, support, and tenderness.

She is loved beyond measure, now and far into the future.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Emporia State University Foundation:

https://www.emporia.edu/foundation/

My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it. Mark Twain