Linda McBride Lasley, 78, was a joyful, witty, and deeply loving woman who made those around her feel seen, capable, and celebrated. She passed away peacefully on January 1st, 2026 in Edmond, Oklahoma after a series of strokes, leaving behind family and friends who adored her and will miss her beyond measure.

From a young age, Linda was highly organized, social, and an excellent student. She loved learning and took pride in doing things well, qualities that shaped her devotion to education, literature, and teaching. She graduated from Ardmore High School in 1965 and went on to attend East Central University where she earned a degree in English.

As an adult, Linda followed her passion for teaching, dedicating many years to educating high school students in speech, English, and drama. She taught at both Wilson High School and Plainview High School where she directed numerous plays and took students to competitions, finding great joy in helping young people discover their voices and confidence. It was not uncommon for former students to tell Linda, or her family, that she had made a profound and lasting impact on their lives.

Linda shared a true love story with her husband, Jim. Best friends as well as partners in life and work, they delighted in one another's company and built a marriage rooted in laughter, mutual respect, and deep affection. Together, they grew their family convenience store business, dedicating themselves to creating a supportive and positive environment for their employees.

As a mother, Linda was endlessly supportive and never took herself too seriously. Her daughters cherish memories of her quick wit, easy laughter, and unmistakable charm. She made it her mission to pour confidence and encouragement into them, offering praise generously and believing fiercely in their ability to conquer whatever lay ahead. She was, in every sense, their greatest cheerleader.

Linda adored her grandchildren and had a remarkable gift for making each one feel uniquely special. She treasured the time when they were young, taking joy in experiences like trips to the theater and supporting their interests and hobbies. Thoughtful and playful, she even gave "un-birthday" presents to siblings so no one would feel left out, leaving memories that her family will always cherish.

Linda understood the importance of confidence and self-assurance. Style and manners mattered to her, not as a measure of status, but as tools that had opened doors in her own life. She took pride in helping others, especially young people, learn how to carry themselves with confidence so they would never feel limited by circumstance.

Linda was deeply devoted to her church and her community. A lifelong resident of Ardmore, she lived there for nearly her entire life before moving to Edmond in her final year. She was an active member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, where she served on the vestry, and volunteered her time with The Family Shelter of Southern Oklahoma and the Ardmore Soup Kitchen. She loved theater and literature, with a special fondness for Emily Dickinson. Her favorite line "Dwell in possibility" beautifully reflected the way she lived her life.

Though Linda lived with dementia for the past five years, her humor, warmth, and love remained bright until the very end. She will be remembered always for her laughter, her encouragement, her style, and the deep care she showed to family and friends.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Joyce McBride. She is survived by her husband, Jim Lasley; her daughters, Holly Schmedt and Rachel Lasley-Rasher; her sons-in-law, Stephen Schmedt and Doug Rasher; her grandchildren, Sydney Schmedt, Tanner Schmedt, Camryn Schmedt, Betsy Rasher, and Levi Rasher; and sister Jodie Isenberg and brother-in-law John Isenberg.

A service celebrating Linda's life will be held on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Ardmore. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Family Shelter of Southern Oklahoma or the Ardmore Soup Kitchen.