Linda L. Brooks, age 81, recently of Grand Rapids, formerly of Fenton/Linden, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026. Linda was born in Caro, Michigan on November 3, 1944, to Paul and Donna Jean Vollmar. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 38 years Wayne. She is survived by her girls, Shellie (Brent) Smith and Diane (Tim) Heger; her sister, Sue (Ralph) Pylman; and her grandchildren, Jessica (Brandon) Hatch, Danielle (Gabe) Gallagher, Derek (Jessica) Smith, Paul (PJ) Heger, and Quinn (Nichole) Smith; and her beloved great granddaughter, Hazel; as well as Wayne’s children, Suzan (Mike) Fellabaum and Steve (fiancé Kelley) Brooks; and his 6 grandchildren; and great grandson.
Linda settled in Flint, Michigan during her first marriage and eventually began working at Manufacturer’s Equipment where she met the love of her life, Wayne. Wayne taught her how to golf, and they enjoyed golfing and social events at Spring Meadows Country Club and at The Villages in Florida for many years. If the sun was out (or at least it wasn’t raining), you could find her on the golf course. She was quite good and was able to record 4(!) Holes in One; 3 at The Villages and 1 at Spring Meadows. Birdies were also quite common, and she kept a flask of Fireball in her golf bag with cups to celebrate with her foursome for any birdie. In addition to golfing, Linda picked up rollerblading and pickleball in Florida and she and Wayne spent many hours skiing at Boyne and out west. In her downtime and in rainy weather, Linda learned to knit and made Teddy Bears for her family and friends as well as for Mother Bear, an organization that donated the bears to children overseas. Linda’s social events were enhanced by Starbucks frappe and Pinot Grigio.
The family would like to thank the wonderful people at Hospice of Michigan for their care and support. A Celebration of Life will be held at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI on Saturday, March 21, with a Meet and Greet gathering 1:00 – 3:00 pm with a short tribute at 2:00 pm. Memorial Donations in Linda’s memory can be made to Hospice of Michigan or St. Jude Research Hospital.
4 Responses
To Sue, Shellie, Diane and family… I am so sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. She was a beautiful woman inside and out! I feel privileged to have known her! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this very difficult time.
Steven and I were sorry to hear about Aunt Linda’s passing. She was such a sweetheart. She will be missed. We will keep your families in our prayers ❤️
I was sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. I have fond memories of her from when I was a kid.
You will all be in my prayers.
God bless.
My Heart is broken for my dear and beautiful and funny and giving sister. We have shared so many things throughout the years: FAMILY (to include growing up on a farm and two great and best parents, watching our children find their way). HOLIDAYS. FUN (The great trips out west-Calif and Lake Tahoe and Williamsburg and Key West) And when you and Wayne got your Seasonal Home in The Villages, we sure could see you more. You are in my Heart forever.
To “Linda Lou” From “Sue Ann”
Sue, Ralph, Jenn