Linda Kay

Tedder

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends or family consider making a donation by check to the Rogers County Historical Society to the attention of Patrick Deaver. The mailing address is 121 N. Chickasaw Ave. Claremore, OK 74017. Linda was a long time member of this organization and sat on the executive committee of the Belvedere Mansion until her illness left her unable to hold this position.

Linda Kay Tedder (McCall), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026, at the age of 83. Linda lived a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, adventure, and an unwavering devotion to her family. She had a remarkable ability to find joy in the simplest moments, turn ordinary occasions into treasured memories, and make everyone around her feel loved, welcomed, and cherished.

Born on July 24, 1943, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Linda was the youngest of three children born to Johnny and Georgia McCall. She grew up in Tulsa, attended Tulsa Public Schools, and graduated from Nathan Hale High School.

It was during her junior year of high school that a chance encounter would change the course of her life forever. At a party, a young man named John Tedder spotted Linda and confidently announced to his friend, "I'm going to marry that girl!" As it turned out, he was right. The following year, Linda and John were married in Miami, Oklahoma, beginning a beautiful love story that would span 62 years of marriage until John's passing. Together, they built a life centered around family, love, laughter, and countless treasured memories.

Linda devoted her life to being a homemaker, but her greatest accomplishment was undoubtedly the family and home she so lovingly nurtured. She had a gift for making people feel at home, and her family always knew they had a place where they belonged.

Linda had an undeniable zest for life and never wanted to miss an adventure, especially if it involved her family. If there was a daughter or granddaughter moving off to college, settling into a new home, or beginning a new chapter, Linda expected a phone call and, more importantly, her personal invitation to join in. Whether that meant loading up a U-Haul and heading to Colorado or helping with a short move across town, she wanted to be right in the middle of the action.

Linda found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed spending time outdoors picking pecans and had a particularly soft spot for animals, especially stray dogs. Her home seemed to have an open-door policy for any four-legged visitor who wandered her way. In fact, her family often joked that a dog would show up and whistle to the others, "Come over here, and you too can have Swan's ice cream bars!" Her generous spirit wasn't limited to people. There was always room in her heart, and often at her doorstep, for one more.

Her willingness to lend a helping hand extended beyond her family. Whenever there was an opportunity to volunteer at the local school, Linda was ready and willing. Helping others came naturally to her, and she never needed recognition or a special occasion to show kindness.

If there was one thing Linda knew how to do exceptionally well, it was celebrate. Halloween held a particularly special place in her heart. Linda delighted in decorating her home and hosting her annual Halloween parties, complete with costume contests that became legendary among family and friends. Everyone knew the competition would be fierce, but the prizes were always over the top and well worth the effort.

Thanksgiving was another cherished tradition. Linda loved gathering her family around the table for a home-cooked meal, and her famous dressing was always a highlight of the celebration. It was more than just a favorite dish; it was one of those treasured family traditions that made the holiday feel complete.

And when Christmas came around, Linda's greatest wish was simple: she wanted everyone together. She treasured the laughter, conversations, excitement, and togetherness that came with a house full of people she loved.

Of all the roles Linda embraced throughout her life, however, none brought her more joy than being Grandma or Mimi.

Known affectionately by both names, Linda was simply the best grandmother and great-grandmother her family could have imagined. She spent countless hours watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, celebrating their milestones, cheering them on, and taking an active role in their lives every chance she got. Whether she was asked to help, invited along for an adventure, or simply offered the opportunity to spend time together, she was always ready and willing. She embraced every stage of their lives with open arms and a heart overflowing with love. To this day, the family still isn't quite sure who enjoyed watching the Toy Story movies more - Linda or the kids! She didn't just tolerate the things her grandchildren loved; she wholeheartedly embraced them. Whatever brought them happiness brought her happiness, too. She didn't simply watch their childhoods unfold from the sidelines. She jumped right in and enjoyed every minute of the journey alongside them.

She was the heart of the family, the keeper of traditions, the enthusiastic participant in every adventure, and the source of countless memories. She knew when to bring the fun, when to offer a shoulder to lean on, and when someone simply needed her to be there.

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, John Tedder; her parents, Johnny and Georgia McCall; and her oldest brother, Marc McCall.

She is survived by her three daughters, Julie Murray and husband Patrick, Lisa Tittle and husband Shane, and Johnna Tedder; and her brother, Joe McCall.

She also leaves behind four beloved grandchildren, Lindsey Callery and husband Keith, Amber Hightower and husband Tyler, Taylor Murray, and Addison Tedder; along with four cherished great-grandchildren, Wittaker and Waylon Callery, Cashton Marshall, and Paisleigh Brasher. Each of them carries a piece of the extraordinary love and family legacy she so lovingly created.

The family would also like to extend their deepest love and appreciation to Linda's devoted caregivers, Kristin, Maria, and Anita. These three special women became so much more than caregivers. They loved Linda as though she were their own mother, providing not only care and comfort, but companionship, laughter, and genuine affection.

Linda especially enjoyed her spirited battles with Kristin over Kristin's singing during American Idol, a source of good-natured disagreement and entertainment. She adored the way Maria pampered her and made her feel so special. And she always looked forward to Thursday evenings, knowing Anita would be arriving with dinner.

Linda's life was a beautiful reminder that the greatest legacy we leave behind isn't measured in possessions or accomplishments, but in the love we give, the lives we touch, and the memories we create along the way. Her family will carry her spirit forward in every Halloween costume contest, every Thanksgiving gathering, every Christmas celebration, every new adventure, and every moment spent making memories with the generations to come.

While her presence will be deeply missed, there is comfort in knowing that a life so full of love leaves behind so much to remember. Her laughter will echo in the stories her family tells, her traditions will live on in the celebrations they share, and her love will continue to be felt for generations.

She was the life of the party, the heart of the family, and the place we all called home.

Graveside Service will be 2PM, Monday, October 26, 2026 at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5111 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma.