April 27, 1931 ~ Sept. 9, 2024
Linda Jean "Franks" Elliott, 87, a wonderful woman, loved and missed by family and friends went to be with her heavenly father on September 9, 2024. Linda was known throughout the community for her philanthropic approach to life, prestigious reputation, selflessness, and work ethic.
The family of Linda would like to invite you to a come and go celebration of life on September 21, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. This will be in the Parlor at the First Methodist Church located at 1818 4th Avenue in Canyon, Tx 79015. Linda requested that friends and family come together to support one another during this difficult time but more importantly to share memories and enjoy fellowship.
Linda Jean "Franks" Elliott was born on June 2, 1937, to Eldon and Ruth (Kiser) Franks in Olton, Tx. She grew up on a farm alongside her two brothers James and Don. Up until the age of five, they lived in a two-room house with a dirt basement floor. Her memories of childhood involved sharing such a small space with multiple family members, helping her mother (who was a teacher at the time) grade papers in the evenings, gathering eggs, the family horses, growing almost everything that they ate, and staying with her Aunt Neva when she was sick because she made good cookies. In her younger years, Linda enjoyed basketball, reading, sewing (she made most of her own clothes), participating in"Home Ec, and jazz music. These interests remained even into her adulthood.
Linda graduated from Olton high school in 1955 with the honors of being Valedictorian, Most Valuable Athlete, and Outstanding Homemaker. She went on to attend college at West Texas State University College where she received her BS in Business Education in 1959. Later, she returned in 1992 to receive her MS in Communications. During her attendance at WT, Linda was a charter member and president of Zeta Tau Alpha. She was the first member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority when the national organization was chartered as a campus organization in 1959. Her social life has always been centered around her sorority and her love for WTAMU. This was just the beginning of her dedication and love for the charitable work which she is known for throughout her life.
After graduating in 1959 from WT, she married Stanton King Elliott. Linda went to work briefly at the Neblett clinic in Canyon and then for 5 years at Pantex before deciding to stay home and start a family. Linda said that one of the happiest moments of her life was when they welcomed the birth of their son Wade Elliott. During her union with Stanton, they partnered to run Elliott Farm & Ranch. She loved being a"mother and a part of the farm.
Linda decided to return to work and taught marketing and distributive education at Canyon High School from 1979-1983. In 1983, her dedicated career at West Texas A&M University began. Linda was always a big supporter of WTAMU. She spent a lot of time helping with"various athletic dinners, Zeta Tau Alpha events, serving coffee at basketball games, and driving the golf cart for attendees of WTAMU football games located at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium. Throughout"her adult life, Linda was involved in many organizations including Zeta Tau Alpha, Lion's Club, Methodist Church in Canyon, Buffalo Club, AAUW- Life member, and The Texas Panhandle Foundation. She served as President of the Canyon Chamber of Commerce (first woman to hold this position), Cornette Library Board, WTSU Alumni Board, ZTA Alumnae, study club, and UMW women. From Zeta Tau Alpha, Linda received the Certificate of Merit in October 1975, the Order of the shield in 2008 (given for 50 years of service to the organization), the Texas Lone Star Award, and the Zeta Lady Award. Linda is known throughout her fellow "ZETAS" as a true example of a Zeta Lady. She also had the honor of being inducted into the WTAMU Athletic Hall of Fame for her generous support. Linda retired from the WT registrar office after 39 years.
Throughout all the years of her charitable service Linda never expected recognition. The family wanted to honor her for the time she donated and the commitments she made throughout her lifetime. She was a very strong, independent woman that lived a humble life. She loved the lord and embraced giving as a gratitude for his blessings.
Linda found great enjoyment in attending the events of her son Wade, grandson Marshall, and great grandsons Cap and Bodie. She was sure happy when her grandson returned to finish college at WT. Linda's hobbies in life included tennis, golf, bridge club parties, sewing, road trips, and family gatherings. She was an avid fan and season ticket holder for WTAMU Football. Linda was also a big supporter of donating blood. It was documented that in the year 2020 she made 103 blood donations. She also volunteered with hospice.
The family will always hold close the memories from multiple family vacations and the annual Franks Family Christmas. She was known for her unique gifts and homemade decorations. Decorations that have been passed on for her great grandsons to enjoy. Linda also blessed her family with numerous home videos and photo albums for them to reflect on that captured great memories.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Eldon and Ruth Franks and older brother, James Franks. She is survived by her son, Wade Elliott, of Happy, TX; grandson, Marshall Elliott and wife, Brenae, and two great grandsons, Cap and Bodie Elliott, of Boise City, OK; her older brother, Don Franks and wife, Helen of Olton, TX; sister-in-law, Martha Franks of Choctaw, OK; and many nieces, nephews whom she loved.
The family would like you to keep the verse Psalm 23 close to your heart and hopes that you leave today inspired to be involved, help others, and give with a thankful heart.
In lieu of flowers, Linda's memorial request is that donations be directed to Zeta Tau Alpha Academic Scholarship and the WTAMU foundation both of which can be contacted at (806) 651-2070. Please note in memory of Linda Elliott.