Linda Christeele Rodgers

On May 27, 2025, Linda Christeele Rodgers entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The One she once knew by faith, she now sees face to face—in the presence of her Redeemer who makes all things new, and in whose presence, she now rests with fullness of joy.

Linda was born on June 28, 1952, in McKinney, Texas, to Eddie and Rosa Lee Self. She was the third of five children, three girls and two boys—and was given the middle name Christeele in honor of her maternal grandmother.

She grew up in a home where life’s simple moments—shared meals around the table, Sunday drives, visiting with neighbors, and time with extended family—left a lasting impression. Her childhood was shaped by close family bonds, home-cooked meals, and learning traditions like quilting, gardening, cooking, and baking.

Some of Linda’s favorite memories were with her paternal grandparents, Mema and Papa Self. She remembered Mema’s well-tended garden, her Banana Nut Cake and Dewberry Cobbler, and days spent shelling peas and beans. She also remembered watching Mema and other women in the family sit in the living room, stitching quilts by hand. Papa Self, who was quiet and steady, once let her try his old rotary push mower, and she especially liked sitting with him in his metal yard chair, a keepsake she held onto for many years.

Her Daddy’s unconditional love and faithful provision made her feel secure and cared for. She wrote of him as her “True Hero”—intelligent, kind, courageous, tender, and loving. Her Mama kept a clean and welcoming home, and Linda learned from her how to cook and take care of the family.

Her family also enjoyed camping, fishing, and the occasional road trip to the Rocky Mountains when they could afford it. Holidays and Sunday afternoons were often spent with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Linda had wonderful memories of playing outside with friends and neighbors until after dark. These kinds of simple routines, familiar traditions, and family gatherings were essential ingredients in Linda’s childhood.

Linda played the clarinet in the Plano High School marching band and was a proud Plano Wildcats fan. She kept up several high school friendships over the years and helped organize class reunions.

After high school, Linda married and started her family, welcoming sons Brian and Chris, and daughter Courtney in 1972, 1975, and 1980. Just as family was central to her growing up, it remained central to her life as a mother. Linda was kind and gentle, always thinking of others before herself, especially her kids and grandkids. Because her husband’s job kept him on the road most of the time, Linda carried much of the responsibility at home, both as a caregiver and provider.

From 1979 to 2008, Linda worked for the same company—known over the years as Merico, Earthgrains, and later Sara Lee. She began as the personal secretary to the company president and quickly became known for her hard work, diligence, attention to detail, and warm personality. Her time at Merico resulted in lasting friendships, especially with a close-knit group of colleagues affectionately known as the "Merico Girls." These four women became like extended family—second mothers to her children—and their friendships long outlasted her time at the company.

In 1994, Linda’s position moved to St. Peters, Missouri. It was during this time that she met Bobby Rodgers, the love of her life, whom she married in December 2002. Linda and Bob enjoyed visiting family, traveling, and going to garage sales, flea markets, and estate sales.

In 2008, Linda and Bob moved back to Texas, eventually buying and moving back into her childhood home in Plano. That move was especially meaningful to Linda, who had a strong sense of connection to the people and places from her past. She held on to quilts, recipes, family heirlooms, and photographs—not out of sentimentality for things themselves, but because they reminded her of the people and moments that mattered most to her.

Linda made friends easily and kept them for life. In addition to her longtime high school friends, she continued building new friendships wherever she went. She was known for her cooking, and her family especially loved her fudge, meatloaf, fried okra, western meatballs, and abundance of Christmas treats. She also enjoyed canning—especially beets and her grandmother’s pear honey with coconut. Blue Bell ice cream and Mexican food were also some of Linda’s favorite things to eat.

She had a green thumb and enjoyed tending to both indoor and outdoor plants. She had fun crafting and decorating, and found ways to make any space feel warm and inviting. In her later years, she spent time sitting outside at Chris and Kelly’s home, identifying and watching birds. Even during a recent hospital stay, she asked for her bird books. Linda always loved nature—beautiful scenery, the outdoors, animals, and especially her pet Bichon Frises: Toby, Cotton, and Bailey.

Linda loved being a grandmother and great-grandmother and valued every moment she was able to spend with her family. In her later years, she became a member of Providence Church in Rowlett, where she enjoyed preparing food for pot providence meals, being part of the Jubilees (the over-50 group), and meeting weekly for lunch with the Providence ladies.

Linda lived a life marked by love for her family, care and concern for others, and a strong connection to the people and traditions she valued most. She will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew her.

Linda is survived by children John Brian McDonald, Christopher Edward McDonald and his wife Kelly Murphy and Courtney Elizabeth McDonald; grandchildren Kahla McDonald, Sabrina Johns, Brooke Mc Donald, Caity McDonald, Blake Johnson, Amber Murphy and Mikey McDonald; 11 great grandchildren; sister Patricia Busch-Grimsley.  She was preceded in death by husband Bobby Rodgers, parents Edward and Rosa Self; siblings Jimmy Carl Self, Donna Marie Self and David Glenn Self. 

The family will receive friends for a visitation from 6-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Allen Family Funeral Options. If you wish to join the service via webcast, please visit: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/112914

There will be a funeral service at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Allen Family Funeral Options.  

Linda will be laid to rest following the service at Wilson Chapel Cemetery, Lowry Crossing, Texas.