Linda Fox

Linda was the third child born of five children born to Harold Kassner Swiler and Marjorie (Aves) Swiler. She came into this world on Clintonia Road in Portland, MI in the family home on April 19, 1947. In the spring of 1951, her family moved from the Portland area to Lake Odessa where she was raised along with her older brother Wayne and two younger sisters, Carol and Doris, on a farm on Ainsworth Road. In 1965 she graduated from Lakewood High School in Lake Odessa, MI. She married the love of her life, Jonathan David Fox on July 17, 1965 in Barry County, Michigan. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this year. They had two sons, Shannon and Shane while living in Hastings, MI. She reluctantly agreed to move to Soldotna, Alaska for one year in 1968. When it was time to return to MI after that first year, Jon and Linda decided to stay because they had not yet qualified as an Alaskan Sourdough! This was a term used for long-time residents in Alaska. She loved living in the great state of Alaska for the next 57 years!!

In 2008 Linda became a member of the First Families of Ionia County Society.

Linda invested her life as a loving wife to Jon and mother to her two boys embracing the neighborhood children as well. She and Jon enjoyed exploring Alaska and building memories with their grandsons during their long summer visits.

Because Linda chose to follow her Savior Jesus Christ, she was passionate about serving Him faithfully in her community. She was active in her local church, Soldotna Bible Chapel, as well as in prison ministry at Wildwood. She was a Christian Women's Club (Take a Break) leader for 31 years and often assisted Freedom House when needed. Linda was known as a prayer warrior and for her bold witness for Christ, encouraging many to trust Him as Savior as she had.

The beauty of the great Alaskan outdoors inspired Linda's gifted hobbies of painting and photography. Her photography will be enjoyed by all who visit her Facebook page.

Linda’s adventurous spirit motivated her to travel with Jon near and far from Australia and throughout Europe. Whenever Linda and Jon came to Michigan for a visit, she would always try to connect with schoolmates as well as see as much of her family that she could fit into the trip.

Linda was a "car girl" being part of the Kaknu Kruzers with Jon. She took great joy in riding together in his classic cars or trucks in lots of parades. Known as a wonderful cook, Linda had the gift of hospitality, welcoming many into their home. One of her prized recipes, Salmon Chowder, was featured in the Taste of Home cookbook. She also studied diligently to become a local real estate sales agent. As a generous encourager, she was beloved by 1000's of friends of all ages in the lower 48 and Alaska.

Linda overcame her own discouragement over her declining health by persevering in the strength of her loving Savior Jesus Christ. Along with Jon, Linda was lovingly cared for by their "adopted" daughter, Angel Hill, who lived with them during Linda's last two weeks for which the family is very grateful. She is greatly missed by her family and her many friends but most of all by Jon, her beloved husband of 59 1/2 years who can only rejoice in her being with Christ.

Linda Louise (Swiler) Fox passed away peacefully at home on February 5, 2025, in Soldotna, Alaska after a long struggle with her health.

Linda is survived by her husband, Jon, sons Shannon and Shane, grandsons Ranger, Tucker (Anita), and Shelby and sisters Carol (Jerry) Engle and Doris Sutton, and sister-in-law, Pam Swiler as well as many nieces and nephews and their families, all of which she loved dearly.

Linda was eagerly anticipating her first great granddaughter in May.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Marjorie Swiler, sister, Lorraine Lois Swiler who died at birth, grandson Ford Fox and brother Wayne Swiler.

In Alaska Linda's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 19, at 2:00 pm at the Soldotna Bible Chapel. Memorial donations can be made to The Freedom House, 185 Shady Lane, Soldotna, AK 99669 or Solid Rock Bible Camp, 36251, Solid Rock Road #1, Soldotna, AK 99669

A Celebration of Life will be held in Michigan on April 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Lake Odessa, 767 Fourth Avenue, Lake Odessa. Rev. Dr. Marilyn Danielson will officiate that service. A luncheon will follow.