Linda Tallent

Linda Lee Tallent, age 64, of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, passed away on Monday, September 17, 2018, surrounded by family at her home. Linda is survived by her husband Dwight Tallent of the home; son, Wayne Lunsford and his spouse, Teri of Sapulpa; Serita Donnell and husband Clay of Piedmont, Oklahoma; 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Alma Mehlhorn, and stepson Lin Tallent. Linda was previously married to Wayne Lunsford Sr. and has her son Melvin Wayne Lunsford Jr. and her stepdaughter Serita Donnell. She became a single mother and cared for her son Wayne while managing her own shoe shop business in Shawnee, Oklahoma in 1976. Linda was one of three female cobblers in the United States at that time. Later, Linda moved to Tulsa and started her own business on East 11th Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma and later moved to a shopping center near 51 st and Harvard where she ran the Dye Shop. Dwight and Linda were married on January 18, 1991 at Word of Life Fellowship in Sand Springs, Oklahoma where they met. A funny story revealed by Linda and Dwight was when during the dating process, Dwight came over to Linda's home at 1016 North Garfield and with his hand behind his back said, "I have something for you." Linda's heart raced with anticipation thinking, "this is it" and then to her dismay Dwight presented Linda with a cutoff Shotgun Shell and declared I made you a "Toothpick Holder" which she has treasured this side of Heaven. After their marriage, Linda accepted a position with OSU/Okmulgee as a teacher in the Shoe, Boot and Saddle program where she had previously graduated from. She also studied Pedorthics and became a Certified Pedorthist and taught for 16 years thereafter. Dwight and Linda moved to Beggs, Oklahoma in 1993 and in 2007. Linda left OSU/Okmulgee to pursue employment using her professional skills as a Certified Pedorthist with the Company Artex, based in Texas. Dwight and Linda moved from Beggs to Sand Springs the winter of 2007 on land they had purchased in 1991 and built a beautiful home overlooking a pond. She operated her business from the Sand Springs home there for about 5 years. In 2013 they both retired and began enjoying the Golden years. Linda was first diagnosed with Lung Cancer in November of 2016 and she underwent extensive testing at MD Anderson in Texas. The resulting conclusion was that she would receive chemotherapy. After 6 rounds of chemo, she elected to stop chemo and we switched doctors and began taking immunotherapy. The disease spread to her colon thereafter and created some major problems and it became necessary to think about surgery. She and Dwight with their good friends John and Donna Moore embarked on a journey to the Hawaiian Island of Maui just prior to her Colon Surgery. Upon their return home, a portion of the colon was removed and an Ostomy Bag ensued for about 3 long months. Linda's determination and Faith in God pulled her through all of these trials, and then after the long 3 months of the Ostomy bag, she underwent a successful reversal operation to reattach the Colon and the Ostomy bag went away. Retired, she enjoyed playing card games with friends and traveling with family. She was very active at Foundation Church where she operated the Seed Store and served in other capacities. Her contagious smile was always present. Linda will be missed by all who knew her. She now has received her glorified body and abides in heavenly Bliss. Interment to follow on Monday September 24, 2018 at 10 AM at Memorial Park Cemetery under supervision by Moore Funeral home. There will be a graveside service for anyone who wants to attend. The District 5 Honor Guard will be present to perform a Flag Ceremony, Taps and a 21 Gun Salute for Linda and the family. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233

Linda Tallent

April 9, 1954 - September 17, 2018