Linda J. Maxwell (Vandever), passed away October 17, 2025. Linda was born in Corsicana, Texas on July 29, 1946, to Ross and Jo Vandever. She grew up around Tulsa and Little Rock and graduated from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock with a degree in education. She taught elementary school for many years, and retired as third grade teacher with Union at Boevers Elementary.

While teaching in Little Rock, John W. Maxwell, Jr., the son of the principal and a fellow teacher was in town visiting from Alaska, he spotted the "MISS" before her name on the door and went in to introduce himself. Months later the two married on February 7, 1970, and resided in Anchorage until John's employment was transferred to Tulsa in 1978.

In her life, Linda was an active and devoted wife, mother, teacher, and friend. She enjoyed gardening and had a great love and compassion for animals, which she instilled in her only child and daughter, Carolyn. This love for animals brought about many adventures, from sleeping in a barn with a fellow 4-H mom to help take care of newborn piglets, to traveling the states to show her beloved schnauzers in agility trials. She was known as the schnauzer lady amongst friends and with great dedication obtained many titles on her terriers in Agility, Nose Work, Obedience, and Rally. October 10, 2015, was one of her favorite days, as it was the date she achieved the title of PACH on her little schnauzer, Brodie, at the Enid Agility Trial.

She is survived by her only child, daughter, Carolyn Mathieson (John C. Mathieson), grandson, Andrew "AJ" Mathieson, granddaughter, Rachel Mathieson, sister, Laura Bingham, and brother, James "Jim" Vandever, two spoiled schnauzers, Annie and Grady, and a host of relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be 2PM, Monday, October 27, 2025 at Moore Funeral Home - Southlawn Chapel, 9350 East 51st, Tulsa, OK.