Linda Carol Martin Penland

Linda Carol Martin Penland went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 after a brief illness. Linda was born to Roy and Neoma Martin on Dec. 4, 1951. The apple of her parents’ eye, she was 14 years younger than her sister Ginger, and 12 years younger than her brother Roy Jr. Linda’s father was a lumber worker and entrepreneur and they spent much of her childhood moving around living in California and Arizona. They settled in Klamath, Calif., where Linda spent most of her childhood. When she was around 11 years old, they moved to Happy Camp and lived there for the next several years. When she was a teenager, she met and married Jimmy Wade Whittaker and they were married on Feb. 28, 1970. Together, they had four wonderful sons Eric, Chris, Adam and William. In 1973 while living in Crescent City, Linda took a course to become a CNA and began a lifelong career as a caregiver. She was extremely dedicated to taking care of others working in nursing homes, care facilities and in people’s homes for over 35 years. Raising four boys and working full time, Linda did not have much time for other things but always enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors, camping and fishing. In 1990 after her divorce, she moved her family to Happy Camp to be closer to her mom and dad and the rest of her family. It was there that Linda continued her career as a caregiver. There was never a person who met Linda who did not love her. She was caring and loving to all and would do what she could to help anyone. In 1993, she met her husband Wallie and they spent the next several years traveling around California and Nevada. In May of 1996, they were married in Virginia City, Nev. In the fall of 1996, they moved to Yreka so that Linda could care for her ailing parents. She spent many of her last years caring for people of Siskiyou County. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren. Linda was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Neoma Martin, her nephews David Wilhite and William Martin and her great-nieces Rebecca and Danielle McCarthy. Linda is survived by her husband, Wallie Penland; her four sons, Eric Whittaker, Chris (Julia) Whittaker, Adam (Melissa) Whittaker and William (Alondra) Whittaker; Elton Penland; and Rylan (Katrina) Penland. She is also survived by her sister Ginger (Glenn) Wilhite, her brother Roy (Betty) Martin, numerous nieces and nephews and the pride and joy of Linda’s life, her eleven grandchildren, Maria, Christopher, Hali, Jessica, Garrett, Hannah, Ty, Brandon, Nicole, Maegyn and Averian; and her first great-grandbaby Alysiana. A celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. in Happy Camp on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012 at the Grange Hall. Girdner Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Linda Carol Martin Penland

December 4, 1951 - December 10, 2011