Is Dedicated in Loving Memory of
Linda Ann LaRussa
Linda served as the seminary’s first Student Services Representative. The dedication of the course, “The Theology and Practice of Fellowship” was made possible by the generous financial donations of friends, alumni, and family.
Linda LaRussa had the gift of Woo. She saw the potential in others and was motivated to help people succeed, which made her perfect for her role at Rockbridge Seminary.
Linda Ann LaRussa was born July 17, 1956, in Kansas City, MO. She was a lifelong resident of Greene County, MO. Linda was active in her younger years with 4-H and International Order of Rainbow for Girls, where she met many lifelong friends. Linda was an active member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, she sang with the choir and enjoyed a large Christian family. (Linda is in the right of the above picture.)
Linda had quite a green thumb and loved gardening and flowers. She loved vacations anywhere the ocean met sandy beaches. A graduate of Kickapoo High School in Springfield, Missouri she had a long career in the banking industry. Linda was the first female firefighter in Battlefield Fire Protection District. She enjoyed scuba diving, riding her motorcycle, and she was a huge fan of Elvis.
Until 2010, Linda served as Student Services Representative for Rockbridge Seminary. Her cheerful voice and eagerness to give assistance endeared her to students and faculty. The following are but a few comments from students and alumni about her extraordinary gift of encouragement and service:
“When I needed administrative help from the seminary, Linda was extremely helpful and kind. The way she lived her life definitely blessed many of us!”
“Linda was such a helpful and encouraging person every time I spoke with her on the phone.”
“I’ll echo what my classmates have shared. Linda was just an incredibly helpful and positive person. She was literally the first person I interacted with at Rockbridge and by her warmth she immediately diffused the fear that online education was going to be cold and impersonal.”
“Linda was always so kind and helpful to me. When we adopted twins she was so excited for us and did whatever she could to be a help to me while we adjusted to our new family life.”
“When I attended the graduation ceremony, one of the highlights of that night was meeting Linda face-to-face. I, too, remember Linda’s patience and bright personality. She always had time and encouragement to spare.”
“When I first started with Rockbridge, I called the main phone number and was pleasantly greeted by Linda. She answered all my questions so patiently and encouraged me to take the Focus class. I also remember chatting with her one time about the “Lead Like Jesus” course. She had been so blessed by that course and wanted to let me know that it had changed her life. I did end up taking that course. She was right, it has changed the way I approach leadership; it has made me more like Christ.”
“Although I am on the other side of the world, in Taipei, Linda was my main point of contact with Rockbridge, and I remember how much she helped with questions and problems that I had. Her willingness to help made me feel more like a close neighbor than someone far away.”
“She always responded to my needs with cheerfulness, helpfulness, understanding, and kindness. She was a great lady and I will miss her pleasant “voice” online.”
“The world has lost someone who worked diligently for others and whose smile was more bright than crystal in sunlight. I miss Linda because she was my friend. I used to joke with her about riding her motorcycle with the wind in her face. Well now, I am sure Linda is having more fun than she ever did riding the open road. Now her journey has ended with us and we miss her. What a wonderful and fun person she was.”
This video captured Linda’s encouraging spirit.
Linda went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, February 25, 2012, after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Linda lived out our mission of developing servant leaders for Christian ministry. Through her servant’s heart, she exemplified the character of Christ.
