Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Ms. Linda Rosemary Stearns Nye was born one of those souls meant to drift around you like a soft wind. She danced for joy,she danced for comfort. She was anything but traditional. She was the definition of a gypsy soul and her loved ones will honor her as such.

Born February 3, 1957 to Roy H. and June A. (Barrett) Stearns, she wandered the earth in her physical form for 68 years before being fully granted her wings on April 22, 2025, when her family was informed of her unfortunate passing.

She was met at the pearly gates by a host of sweet loved ones, including her parents, brother, Barry Stearns, second born child, Jennifer Catron, and husband, Thomas Nye, all of whom she missed so heavily since their passing.

She is survived and missed greatly by her children, Chanda Nyitray, George (Christina) Pryor III, Rebecca (Bryan) Conrad, Skyler Stearns, and Kaitland Stearns; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; siblings, Patricia (Tom) Moore, Roy (Carol) Stearns Jr., and Jhon Stearns.

Linda was blessed to experience her love story with her beloved husband, Thomas Nye, twice in her life. The first time in the form of a young love, and then finally in the form of loving for the rest of their lives after having had families and heart aches apart. That said, Linda was a force that probably, definitely broke a few hearts too. The second time Tom brought with him a son, Boyd (Patricia) Nye, that became a very dear and special part of Linda's heart and life. Boyd also passed away shortly before Linda.

Linda's wandering spirit took her many places where she met many people, and several that she considered extended family. She spent most of her life between OH and FL, with her last few years being spent in WV. She held numerous jobs, often multiple at a time making her a true Jill of many trades. She had a very strong affinity for furry friends, and if she wasn't being followed by one or three, she was wearing one as a fashion accessory. A boxer as a scarf, a chihuahua as a fluff in the neck of her shirt, probably another mix of some kind as a weighted blanket in her lap.

In honor of her gypsy spirit, and very non-traditional approach to life, her family intends to approach her passing in the same way she lived. There are no immediate plans for a memorial service at this time. Her family feels it would be better suited after some time passes for answers to hopefully be obtained before seeking comfort in a memorial service. And also to allow time to notify and travel for those scattered across the country when plans are made. She will be cremated under Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley. She will be shipped and divided mostly amongst her children, and some ashes reunited with her beloved Tom's. She will continue wandering, exploring, and traveling through each of her children. Her life, and energy, just always a force too great for this earth, and often as greatly misunderstood. She is now everywhere. As she was in life she is the cool breeze that brings you comfort on a hot day; and she is the force of hurricane making landfall all at the same time.

We miss her so, but we know that every time we see trees or flowers swaying in the breeze that's just Linda sending hugs, and dancing. Long beautiful straight hair flowing, the health, and radiance of her youth. Finally free from the heavy burden of life. Still wild and free, but able to be all the things and all the places she always wanted to be. Rest in power, Linda. May you ride unicorns into the stars, dance with fairies, and talk to the moon.