With heavy hearts and immense gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, the family of Linda Lou West Howard, age 73, of Morganton, announces her peaceful passing on Tuesday, June 30, 2025. Linda was surrounded by her loving family, who held her hand and whispered words of comfort as she transitioned from this life into eternal rest.
Born on December 5, 1951, in Burke County, North Carolina, Linda was the treasured daughter of the late Gus West and Alma Condrey West. She was one of five children and shared an unbreakable bond with her siblings—John West, Buddy West, Leroy West, and Peggy Hamilton—all of whom preceded her in death. Though their absence was deeply felt, Linda carried their memory in her heart every day, honoring them through her stories, her values, and her enduring love.
A lifelong resident of Morganton, Linda’s roots in the community ran deep. She was a faithful and active member of Grace Baptist Church, where she found spiritual strength and a sense of belonging. Her faith was unwavering, and it shaped every aspect of her life. Linda lived her beliefs through kindness, service, and generosity, never turning away someone in need and always welcoming others with open arms.
To know Linda was to know warmth, laughter, and genuine connection. She never met a stranger and had a natural way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether you were part of her family, a lifelong friend, or a casual acquaintance, she treated you with compassion and respect. She lived by example, showing others how to lead with love and live with grace.
Linda had a free spirit and an adventurous soul. She had a deep love for travel and delighted in discovering new places. One of her most cherished destinations was the Badlands of South Dakota—a place she held close to her heart. With every trip, she created beautiful memories, enriched her perspective, and deepened the bonds with those who journeyed beside her. Her enthusiasm for life was infectious, and she shared her stories with a sparkle in her eye and laughter that could light up a room.
But above all else, Linda’s greatest joy and purpose came from her role within her family. She was a devoted wife, an extraordinary mother, and an adoring grandmother. Her love was constant and unconditional. For 53 years, she shared a loving and enduring partnership with her husband, William Allen Howard, her soulmate and best friend. Their bond was a testament to loyalty, resilience, and true companionship.
Linda’s heart overflowed with pride for her daughters, Kelly Newton and husband David of Morganton, and Melissa Little and husband Fred of Barrington, NH. They were her greatest achievements and her dearest friends. She supported them through every season of life, offering wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love.
Her grandchildren—Arianna Antonelli, R.J. Proulx, and William Proulx—were the light of her life. She reveled in their accomplishments, cherished their laughter, and nurtured them with stories, hugs, and unwavering support. To them, she was more than a grandmother—she was a guiding light, a confidante, and the heartbeat of their childhood.
Linda also leaves behind a large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends—each of whom were touched by her presence. Her legacy will live on through the lives she impacted, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave without condition.
In honor of Linda’s vibrant spirit and her desire to bring people together, a Celebration of Life will be held in October 2025. It will be a joyous gathering, just as she wished—a chance for family, friends, and loved ones to share stories, memories, laughter, and love in remembrance of a woman who brought so much beauty into this world.
Linda Lou West Howard’s passing leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her legacy of kindness, compassion, and joy will endure forever. She was a blessing to all who knew her, and while her absence will be deeply felt, her love will continue to surround those she leaves behind.
Rest peacefully, Linda. Your journey was one of grace and generosity. Your memory will forever be a light that guides us.
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