Obituaries

Linda Littrell, a resident of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, died Friday, April 24, 2026, at Pearly Everlasting in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Linda was deeply loved by her family and friends for her musical talent, way with words, passion for gardening, sense of humor, and advocacy for the protection of all living beings and our planet.

Linda was born in Denver, Colorado on June 23, 1946, to her mother, Maxine Raymond Thompson, father, Leonard Joseph Littrell, and older brother, Hugh Littrell. She grew up in Denver, and enjoyed singing, playing, and listening to music from an early age. She was especially proud of being part of the Denver Citywide High School Concert Choir while she was in 9th grade. The album she recorded with the choir in 1963 was one of the last pieces of music Linda asked to hear in her final weeks.

A lifelong learner, Linda received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado and later in life, a Masters of Liberal Studies Degree at the University of Minnesota. Linda’s interests were wide ranging and included everything from learning how to build a fire without matches, to building a drum with deerskin, and mastering the violin, accordion, harmonica, guitar, and recorder. Throughout her life, Linda was a frequent attendee at protest rallies, closely followed the news, and widely shared her opinions on what was happening politically with everyone she knew.

As a young adult, Linda spent time in the Peace Corps in South Korea and later joined the back-to-the land movement in Southwest Wisconsin. Farm work was more difficult than she anticipated, and after several years, Linda moved to St. Paul, Minnesota where she took an administrative assistant position at the University of Minnesota.

Linda’s last 18 days were spent at Pearly Everlasting, a private home in Eau Claire owned by Deirdre Jenkins designed to accommodate individuals on hospice during their final weeks. Linda’s care was coordinated by end-of-life doula, Dawn Briskey, who led a volunteer team consisting of end-of-life doulas and friends of Linda. The team provided round-the-clock care to Linda during her 18-day stay at Pearly Everlasting. Linda prearranged her cremation at Smith Funeral Chapel in Eau Claire. Her remains will be interred at Better Place Forests. A Celebration of Life will be held for Linda on Sunday, May 31 at 3:00 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Contact the Unitarian Universalist Congregation if you wish to be put on a list to receive the link to attend via Zoom. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Linda Littrell’s name to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation.