The Richmond News, Oct. 11, 2024

Linda Rateau

Linda Gail Douglas Rateau, 80, of Independence, passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Baptist Homes of Independence. Linda was born on January 1, 1944, in Richmond, the daughter of Homer and Vera (Ottman) Douglas. Survivors include: daughter, Kathran Jackson of Liberty; son, Eric (Sue) Jeffries of Lake Wylie, SC; four step-children: John (Virginia) Rateau of Plano, TX, Sandra Rateau of McKinney, TX, Chris Rateau of Dallas, TX, and Renee Najarro of Allen, TX; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.

Those who preceded Linda in death and with whom she is now reunited include her parents, Joe White (husband), A. J. Rateau (husband), Bruce White (son), and John Jackson (son-in-law).

Linda’s early years were spent on the family farm south of Richmond. She married young and raised two children with first husband, Kenneth Jeffries of Orrick. After divorcing, Linda moved to Oklahoma and married Joe White. They had one son, Bruce. Many years following Joe’s death, Linda married A. J. Rateau from Texas. Together they enjoyed traveling and seeing the world. Following the death of A.J. and son, Bruce, Linda moved back to Missouri to be close to family.

It could be said that once you met Linda you would not easily forget her. She was a colorful gal. She wanted everyone to be happy and would often say or do something goofy in an effort to make that happen. She loved to dance. She loved to listen to country western music. She loved her Lord and was faithful to Him, working in her church and being a witness to those she met, often saying to complete strangers, “God loves you and so do I.”

The last two years while Linda was in the nursing home, she would light up when her grandchildren or great-grands would visit, especially those who lived close; Julie, Kaia, Ember and Evelyn. And she loved hearing from the ones who lived away; Ian, Reid, Preston, Parker, Lauren, and Stormye. It was important to her to stay connected with friends and loved ones. She looked forward to and enjoyed daily phone conversations with life-long best friend, Connie Templeton.

Strength was a character trait found in Linda. She knew struggle and she knew joy. Though life was difficult many times throughout her 80 years, she managed to find the bright side and smile. That smile will be greatly missed.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Ray County. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Graveside memorial services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in Richmond Memory Gardens. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements. Please remember to share your memories of Linda with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome. com.