Linda Lou (Goodpasture) Maloney, gifted organist, pianist, handbell ringer, gardener, and trip planner par excellence, died at home in Canton, GA, 27 August 2024.
Born in Caldwell, KS, in 1948, to Leslie and Betty (Rittgers) Goodpasture, Linda was a product of the Class of 1966 at West High School in Wichita, KS. Linda married Ron Judd in 1968. Upon the arrival of their son Michael in 1971, the family moved to Iceland for a one-year tour with the Department of Defense school system promptly followed by another one-year tour in the Azores. While in the Azores, Linda made friends with US P3 pilots and coordinated a trade: fly cheap Portuguese wine to Iceland in a trade for Icelandic Prawns.
In 1973 the family moved to Fuerth, Germany, where Linda held positions as organist and as pianist for Interfaith religious services on the US military base. Through her various connections, Linda organized a youth Bell tour in Germany for a friend from Texas. A memorable stop for the youth was the Russian border (pre-wall coming down) to play America the Beautiful for the factory workers across the border.
Linda served as a bank manager (1985-1992) for American Express Bank, Ltd, (eventually becoming Merchants National Bank & Trust Company) Military Banking Division - Kitzingen (Germany) Branch. Notable to this job, Linda prepared young troops for deployment to the first of two Gulf Wars: Operation Desert Shield.
Linda married Gerry Maloney in Fuerth (1989), moved to Edgewood, NM, nurtured a love for Southwest art, and started on her next passion: English Handbells. Over the years she taught numerous children to play the bells, organized clinics, planned tours (highlight - Twin Cities Bronze), hosted groups, and served in multiple leadership positions including the Handbell Industry Council. Linda valued most her relationship with Resonare, a Puerto Rican bell choir. Because of her handbell relationships, Handbell Musicians of America rallied to meet humanitarian needs in Puerto Rico caused by the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017.
An avid Atlanta Braves and Kanas City Chiefs fan, world traveler, and adventuresome Facebook friend, "Oma" will be missed most by her son Michael (Christi) Judd, and grandchildren Audrey and Zachary of Ball Ground, GA.
Linda will be laid to rest at the Georgia National Cemetery in a private service next to her beloved Gerry who preceded her in death.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to a bell choir or butterfly garden in your local community.