- Linda Lou Emley, age 61, of Richmond, died Thursday, March 8, 2018.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, at the First Baptist Church of Richmond, where visitation begins at 1 p.m.
Inurnment will take place at a later date in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements.
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Linda Lou Emley, 61, of Richmond, a real Ray County treasure, passed away, Thursday, March 8, 2018, at her residence at the Ray County Museum.
Linda was born Nov. 29, 1956, in Lexington, one of three children born to James Benjamin “J.B.” and Bettie Lou (Schooler) Martin. Linda went to Richmond High School, and then studied at Wentworth Military Academy. Linda was first married to Jason Emley of Richmond on June 8, 1972. They later divorced. She then married Mark Weber, of Richmond, on June 14, 1986, and they later divorced.
Linda worked in the airline technology industry for more than 30 years. She first worked at Worldspan and then Travelport. Linda was currently the site manager of Ray County Museum & Genealogical Library, and so much more. Linda loved history. Her interest in local history, myths, folk lore and legends, led her to conduct research on Ray County’s rich history. From community founders, to Capt. William “Bloody Bill” Anderson, to Jesse James, Civil War history, and the area’s extensive Mormon history, Linda was your go-to person. She was our area community historian. Many of her conversations started with, “Did you know?” She was a walking, talking time capsule. Linda published many articles and spoke to many groups regarding her local research and what she discovered on that journey. Many people enjoyed her stories and they were always interesting – especially the ones about her spirit friends at the museum.
Linda was dedicated to learning and sharing what she learned. She always said she believed in knowing where you are going, but, that you must know where you have been. She touched many people with her kindness, knowledge and her big laugh and smile. She was a Christian and would share her faith in God to others and always add some history to go with it. Linda was a very active community member and belonged to many service organizations, such as Richmond Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club of Richmond, The Allen-Morton-Watkins Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), of which she was the regent and Ray County Historical Society. Linda was on the board of Hickory Grove Baptist Cemetery and served on a number of committees with the Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce.
Linda is survived by her mother, Bettie Lou Martin, of Richmond; three sons, Travis Emley and Landon Branstietter, both of Richmond and Gabe Emley, and his wife, Clarice, of Port Orchard, Wash.; four grandchildren, Sherman Emley, and his wife, Dana, Mason Emley, Ethan Emley and Madeline Emley; one great-grandson, Charles Emley, and one on the way, baby boy Gordon Emley; one brother, James Michael Martin, and his wife, Leann, of Smithville; her sister, Jane Flexter, and her husband, Gregory, of Indian Hill, Ohio; and her extended family and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her father J.B. Martin.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Hickory Grove Baptist Church or Ray County Museum & Genealogical Library in memory of Linda.
Visitation will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at the First Baptist Church of Richmond. A memorial celebration of Linda’s Life will follow at 2 p.m. at the church. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Hickory Grove Cemetery.
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1956 - 2018 (61 years)
