Linda Ewan Roudebush

Linda Ewan Roudebush passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 27, 2022 in Austin, Texas, at Ascension Seton Hospital surrounded by family and friends. Linda will be fondly remembered for her zeal for life and was a constant light for everyone she met. She was always ready with a smile and never met a stranger. Linda lived a faith-filled life through both her words and deeds, eagerly participating in Sunday School, Church, and countless church-based programs, while also sharing her faith with people outside the church. Her light will continue to shine through her beloved family and friends, and through those for whom she made a positive impact on over the course of her full life.

Linda was born on January 11, 1957 in Abilene, Texas to Donald Noble and Betty Joyce Scott Ewan.

She is survived by her husband, Jerald Lynn Roudebush, of Austin, Texas, and their son, Michael Scott Roudebush, his wife, Michelle Ackels Roudebush, and granddaughters Penny Rose and Lucy Noble Roudebush, all of Dallas, Texas. She is also survived by her sister, Brenda Ewan Shute, her husband James Coleman Shute, and nieces Laura Frances Shute and Molly Joyce Shute, and great-niece, Grace Elizabeth Shute, all of Dallas, Texas. Linda was preceded in death by her father, Donald Noble, and mother, Betty Joyce Scott Ewan.

Linda grew up in Midland, Texas where she was a member of First United Methodist Church of Midland and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1975. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Government, and many school spirit groups. She then attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. After graduating magna cum laude from SMU in 1978, Linda worked as a petroleum landman throughout Dallas, East Texas, and Houston. While working for PetroCorp Oil and Gas in Houston, Linda met her husband, Jerry, and they married on September 14, 1985 in Midland, Texas. While in Houston, Linda was involved with many volunteer organizations and efforts including being an active member of The Junior League.

The family moved to Austin, Texas in 1996, where they joined Tarrytown United Methodist Church. She continued her life as a dedicated wife and mother, while also continuing to positively impact her community. Linda was a member of The Junior League of Austin, Helping Hands of Austin, Austin Woman’s Club, the Bible Study Foundation (BSF), The Save Muny Conservancy, and her most beloved, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1989, Linda was determined to not only fight the disease that ultimately changed her life, but to take it head on. Linda was determined to not let MS define her life, and it didn’t. Throughout her journey, she continued to maintain a determined and positive attitude about helping herself and others. Linda became a positive voice and mentor for others diagnosed with MS and joined as a volunteer with the National MS Society. In her role, she became a staunch advocate and served on local and national committees. Despite her mobility challenges, she went on Government Relations advocacy trips to the state Capitol in Austin and to the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. and continued her advocacy by meeting with local legislators. Her efforts ultimately led to the passing of impactful legislation that paved the way for MS patients to receive appropriate treatment and the enhanced funding of MS research. She also created a peer group known as the “Special Ladies”, in order to provide comfort and mentorship for newly diagnosed MS patients. In 2017, Linda was inducted into the National MS Society Advocacy Hall of Fame.

Her positive mental attitude (PMA) in this life was matched only by her perspective of the life to come. After being diagnosed with MS in 1989, she wrote the following statement to be read in the event of her death: “Even though I’ve left people I love very much behind, I’m with some other people I love very much too. Remember me, but live your own lives!”

Linda will be missed by her beloved family and many dear friends, but her spirit and love of life, family, and friends will live on in a world that is better from her having been a part of it.

A viewing will be held on Monday evening at 5 o’clock at the Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home on Parkcrest. A funeral service will be held at Tarrytown United Methodist Church at 10 o’clock on the morning of Tuesday September 6 with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Linda had requested that everyone wear red to her service. Red wristbands and ribbons will also be provided at the service if you would like to participate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or The Save Muny Conservancy to further the mission of causes that meant so much to Linda.

Quote: “Life may not be fair, but God is good.” - Helen Francis Corke: 1910-2012; Jerry’s grandmother