Linda Ellen (Smith) McGhee

Linda Ellen (Smith) McGhee, 82, of Danville, IN passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on Thursday, April 11, 2024.  She was born in Dugger, Indiana on July 7, 1941 and was the daughter of the late Carl L. and Ruby (Riggle) Smith. 

Linda grew up in Dugger, Indiana and married her high school sweetheart, Joe McGhee, before he left for the Army.  Upon his return they spent some time in Maryland before moving back to Indiana, settling in Danville to start their family.  Linda worked at Mother’s Day Out where she loved and cared for each child as her own.  She especially loved running into them over the years and seeing them have their own families.  Linda was a member of Clayton Christian Church.  Linda enjoyed walking in her yard, admiring her flowers, listening to the birds sing along with her wind-chimes, and painting her garden trinkets.

The highlight of her week was getting her hair done on Friday morning and she especially missed Joe telling her how beautiful she looked when she returned home.  You did not dare touch her hair or roll down the car window until midweek

She loved a good Indiana tenderloin along with pizza for any meal or anytime of day including breakfast.  For relaxation she was always in the mood for a good western or a Christmas movie on the Hallmark Channel. Her eyes would twinkle listening to her favorite musicians, Alan Jackson, and Rory and Joey while amidst the glow of her Christmas lights that were on year-round.

Her favorite surprises were receiving cream filled donuts and daisies from her son Tracy Joe.  Snuggles, hugs and kisses along with holding and rocking baby Shelby in her recliner.  Linda loved going for rides in the country and getting her nails done with her daughter, Carrie.  Linda could never get enough from visits with her great grandchildren, and a big bear hug from her grandson, Connor Joe. 

Linda is survived by her two children, daughter, Carrie Gibson of Danville, and son Tracy (Jennifer) McGhee of North Salem; 3 grandchildren, Kiera Foster, Connor (Sarah) McGhee of Crawfordsville, and Shelby McGhee, 7 great-grandchildren; her sister, Thresa Stovall and brother, Brian Smith.  In addition to her parents, Linda is predeceased by her husband, of over 60 years, Joe McGhee.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Helton & Harris Funeral Home, Danville from 4-8 p.m. A Funeral service will be held the following morning at 10:00 a.m. with an hour of visitation prior.  Burial will be in Dugger Cemetery, Dugger, Indiana at 2:00 p.m.  Online condolences may be offered at www.heltonandharrisfuneralhomes.com.

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