Linda Fey

Linda Marie Fey had a sense of adventure and a love for life that most people never get to experience. She was content to live out her days at a fast pace, always seeking out new experiences and finding little ways of escaping the normalcy of common life. She was a loving mother, wife, and friend, who kept us all on our toes.

The 1960s were a turbulent time in the United States, as the Civil Rights Movement roared throughout the country trying to make way for equal rights of all Americans. It was the early spring of 1961 when Joe and Yvonne (Saunders) Gabb would make way for their own kind of life change, with the birth of a baby girl on April 26, a daughter they named Linda.

Linda was the oldest of four children, and served as a good example to her three younger siblings. The family spent a lot of time outdoors, where Linda loved snowmobiling in the winter and laying in the sun during the summer. Linda attended Mattawan schools as she grew into a beautiful young lady. It was in the early days of her youth that Linda's free spirit began to manifest itself, and she spent much time finding ways to make adventure for herself.

Soon another change would be under way, as Linda met Frank Fey while she was still a young woman. She and Frank quickly fell in love, and were married on March 17, 1978 in Paw Paw, Michigan. There were many ways that their love would flourish throughout their life together, but perhaps the most significant way was through the birth of their two beloved daughters, Tonia and Tasha.

Being somewhat of a strict mother, Linda's daughters knew that Frank was the pushover and that Linda was the authority figure. Linda's parenting style came only out of love for her girls, and she wanted to protect them and give them every opportunity they deserved. Not only did Linda care for her own children, but she cared for many children throughout the years as she ran a highly respected daycare service in her home. This gave Tonia and Tasha a chance to see how important kindness and responsibility were, which were two qualities she constantly would remind them of.

Family time was important to Linda, and she often would arrange family a barbeque, giving Frank the responsibility of grilling while she took care of everything else that needed to be done. She loved to cook for her loved ones, and was known for her spaghetti as well as her amazing cookies. She once baked sixteen dozen cookies for Frank to take to work with him! It was not unlike Linda to go above and beyond to bring smiles to the faces of others. Holidays were always special, and the family often spent Christmases at her Uncle Bill's house, celebrating the importance of togetherness.

Another important aspect of Linda's life was her love for her motorcycle. She had a Harley Davidson, and loved nothing more than to take impromptu road trips. She was happy to end up wherever the road would take her, always up for an adventure. She earned herself the nickname "Back Road Betty," and nobody was surprised that she could go through two or three tanks of gas on one trip. She loved to have fun, and shared this light hearted spirit with everyone around her.

Keeping in tone with her love of spontaneity, Linda's sense of humor was quite mischievous. She loved "Mad Rite" burnt potato chips, and was quite good at convincing Frank that it was necessary to drive all the way to Ludington to get some. She often would tell him they needed to make a trip to get smoked salmon, and the couple would end up having a great time at the Casino instead!

Linda had quite the sweet tooth, and Tonia said she could sniff out a candy bar anywhere in the house. Country Western and old Rock n' Roll were her favorite music genres, and she often listened to Kid Rock and "Uncle" Bob Seger. She had her soap operas and television shows that she watched religiously, including "The Young and the Restless," "MASH," and "Two and a Half Men."

It was obvious to everyone who knew Linda that she cared immensely for her family and had a unique love for life. She always kept her yard and house immaculate, and constantly found ways to show her loved ones how important they were to her.

Sadly, Linda passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. She will be so deeply missed.

Whether she was having a barbeque with her family or was out riding her motorcycle, Linda did everything with passion. She fought hard for the things she believed in, and she loved steadily those who were close to her. She leaves behind a legacy of enthusiasm for life, teaching us that life is waiting for us as soon as we are ready to reach out and grab it.

Linda is survived by her husband, Frank Fey, two daughters; Tonia Fey of Mattawan, Tasha Fey of Mattawan, her grandmother Mildred Jean Saunders of Texas Corners, her parents Joe and Yvonne Gabb of Mattawan, one sister, Brenda Gabb of Florida, one brother, Joe (Tammy) Gabb of Decatur and several aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Monday from 10-11am at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo 6080 Stadium Drive 375-2900, where a service to honor her life will be held at 11 am. Food and fellowship will follow at the Holiday Inn West on 11th St. in Kalamazoo. Please visit Linda’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her guest book or share a memory or photo. Memorial contributions may be made to the family care of Frank Fey.