Linda Lee Baldridge

Linda Baldridge was born July 4, 1949 in Des Moines, Iowa to Howard and Martha Smith. Her family attended the Nazarene church and both her parents were involved in leading the music of the church. At an early age Linda displayed musical talents especially when it came to playing the piano. In 1967 she graduated from high school and enrolled at Olivet Nazarene College in Bourbonnais, Illinois.

Linda met Terry at Olivet in 1968 and they were married June 13, 1970. In 1971 she graduated with a degree in Music Education. For three years the couple lived in Bradley, Illinois where Linda gave piano lessons and taught elementary school music. In May 1973 they moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa where they led the church music program, and Linda taught music in local elementary schools. In December 1975 their only daughter Heidi was born.

The couple moved to Lawrence, Kansas in May 1977 where they both served in part time positions at the Nazarene church while Terry attended graduate school. They moved to Olathe, Kansas in July 1982 to assume positions at MidAmerica Nazarene College (now MNU).

While employed at MNU Linda worked in several positions including Administrative Assistant to the President. She served in this office for a total of 27 years under four presidents. She retired in 2016 but continued teaching piano lessons through January 2025.

Near the end of January Linda began to experience issues with her heart and was admitted to the hospital. She had open heart surgery on February 6 and never recovered. Linda went to meet her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 7, 2025.

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