Obituary of Linda Jean Jenkins

Linda Jean Jenkins

January 12, 1948 – May 26, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Linda Jean Jenkins, who pass peacefully at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, Iowa with her daughter Linda by her side and her other two daughters and sister present through video call, surrounded by love.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 12, 2026 from 2-5 pm, at Pat Klein Park (631 Swan Street, West Burlington, IA 52655), refreshments will be proved.  The North side entrance is the closest to the shelter house.   

Linda was born January 12, 1948 to her parents Rosa Ann Fern (Moyers) Powell and Harry Powell.  Linda lived a life marked by compassion, strength, faith and unwavering devotion to her family and friends.  Linda was united in marriage to Thomas George Jenkins, whom she married in 1967 and again in 1987, remaining together until his passing. 

Linda is survived by her sisters Marjorie Williams of Sevierville, TN and Nancy Blain of Burlington, Iowa; her brother, Jimmy Powell of Davenport, IA; her daughters, Linda Hunter, Brenda Jenkins-Roberts (Ray), and Roseanna Watson (Aaron); eight grandchildren, James Nichols, Kace (Mel) Skyveldt, Derrick Nichols, Tadd Nichols, Teegan Watson, Siena Watson, Hillary Hunter, and Madyson Hunter; one great granddaughter, Daisy Rose Skyveldt.  Linda had honorary adopted children as well, Melissa Nichols, Louise Jennings and Paul Jennings & honorary adopted grandchildren, Takara (Josh) Wixom, Cheyenne Burns, and Devlin, all of Burlington, IA.  She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who meant the world to her. 

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Rosa Ann Fern & Harry Powell; sisters, Patty Koval, Lillian Liebli, and Virginia Thompson; brothers, Harold, Johnny & Chet Powell; and her infant son, Tommy George Jenkins. 

Linda was a devoted homemaker whose greatest joy was caring for others.  While she worked throughout the years- including in hospital laundry services from 1966 to 1967, assisting with Head Start programs, cleaning offices alongside her mother, and babysitting countless children in the community- her true calling was caring for her family, friends and anyone in need of love and encouragement. 

As a young woman, she helped her sisters by caring for their children and supporting them through pregnancy & motherhood.  Her nurturing spirit continued throughout her life.  It is said that Linda helped care for more than one hundred children over the years.  She loved handing out popsicles, preparing warm meals, and making sure everyone who entered her home felt safe, welcomed, and cared for.

Linda was known for her homemade pies, noodles, and dumplings, her coloring books and crossword puzzles, and the way she could make anyone feel like family.  Many lovingly knew her simply as “Grandma Linda”, not because they were blood related, but because she freely shared her warmth, kindness, and unconditional love with everyone around her. 

Her faith was the foundation of her life.  She faithfully took her children and grandchildren to church and taught them by example the values of kindness, compassion, forgiveness & love. 

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Jada Blain, & Ashlyn, Shirley Johnson, Steve & Jeri Williams, Pam & Mark Jeger, Donna Wiesner, Tom & Sue Bowling, Jimmy Leibli, June Leibli, Sue Leibli, Amy & Jeff Love, Kristen Wasson, Christopher Marvel & Jeanette Marvel, Chuck Burns, Timmy & Delaina, Tammy Pitts, Annette Pitts, Kim Alber, Larry Buck & many others whose kindness, love, prayers and support touched Linda’s life and comforted her family. 

Thought our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in the countless lives she touched and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.  Sher love lives on in every family gathering, every cherished recipe, every act of kindness and every life she helped shape.

To many, she was more than family—she was comfort, warmth, and home.  “Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”