Lynda Jo Laird, 88 of Madill, Okla., passed away from this life on November 30, 2024. She was born November 11, 1936 in Madill to Loys Virgil “L.V.” Awalt and Ruth Ettie Nichols-Awalt. Lynda grew up in Linn and graduated as valedictorian from Madill High School in 1954.
Pursuing higher education, she earned herbachelor’sdegreeinarteducationfrom SoutheasternOklahomaStateUniversity 1964. Fiveyearsafterhergraduationfrom SOSU,shebeganattendingtheUniversity of Tulsa where she earned her master’s degree in painting and serigraphy in 1970.
On July 5, 1973, Lynda Jo married James (Jim) Amos Laird and the two remained together until Jim’s passing in 2016. Lynda lived all over, notably in Ft. Worth, Hawaii, Tulsa and Ardmore, but Madill was truly her home. She was a member of Little City Baptist Church. She was a long-standing member of the Madill Art Club. Lynda was passionate about painting and serigraphy, but spending time with her grandchildren was her greatest love.
Lynda Jo was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother, Bill Awalt.
Lynda Jo is survived by her son, Patrick and his wife JenniferofMadill,Okla.;grandkids,BrodyReece,MiaBeth and Nora Jo; and sister, Sharon Foote of Ardmore, Okla.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Watts Memorial Chapel in Madill, Okla. from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a family hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Funeral service will be Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Watts Memorial Chapel in Madill, Okla. Ron Robertson will officiate the service. Interment will be at Linn Cemetery in Linn, Okla. Services will be under the direction of Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.
Casket Bearers will be Doug Laird, JimBob Laird, Billy Awalt, Lindsey Vaughn, Kevin Selvy, Jason Midkiff and Jay Porter.
Honorary Bearers are Danny and David Awalt.