Linda Kay Ryel, 68, passed away August 22, 2013 after fighting a 3 year courageous battle against cancer.

Linda Kay Tharp was born March 31, 1945 in Woodward, Oklahoma to Leola Jean Shafer Tharp and the late Murvin Tharp. Linda's father Murvin was killed in World War II 8 weeks prior to her birth. Linda's mother later married Marvin Ralston who was the only father she ever knew. During her early childhood Linda lived in Woodward, Oklahoma where she survived the Woodward tornado in 1947 in which her family lost their home. The family also resided in Wichita Falls, Texas, Hayesville, Kansas and Camargo, Oklahoma. Linda graduated from Camargo High School in 1963.

Linda married Robert Glandon in 1963 and to this union a daughter, Tamara Jean and son Robert Wade were born.

Linda married Michael Duane Ryel on September 13, 1974 in Seiling, Oklahoma. Mike accepted Tammy and Robbie and loved them as they were his own children. Mike and Linda made their home in Vici until 2001 when they relocated to Woodward.

During her years in Vici, Linda worked at Shaw Funeral Home, The Vici Dry Goods, The Vici Flower Shop and both restaurants. Linda also enjoyed many years of working with children in the Special Education Department at the Woodward Middle School.

Those preceding her in death were her father Murvin Tharp, father Marvin Ralston, her grandparents and a Sister-in-law Theta.

Surviving Linda are her husband, Mike Ryel of the home, her mother, Leola Ralston of Camargo, Oklahoma; daughter, Tammy Maddux and her husband Mark of Nowata, Oklahoma; son, Robbie Glandon and his wife Cindy of Woodward, Oklahoma; grandsons, Glenn Maddux of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Will Maddux of Nowata, Oklahoma, granddaughters Kaylee Glandon and Maddie Glandon both of Woodward, Oklahoma; one Brother, Wade Ralston and his wife Bobbie of Woodward Oklahoma; two nephews Curtis Ralston and family of Ft Smith Arkansas, Chris Ralston and family of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; in-laws, Dale and Darlene Beaty of Chester Oklahoma; sisters-in-law, Connie, Debbie, Mechelle, Donna, Bridget, Cindy and their families; brothers-in-law, David and Dale Frech and their families.

Linda also leaves behind many lifelong friends, including the Camargo girls.

The family would like to thank Faith Hospice and the staff at Mooreland Heritage Manor for all the love and compassion shown to Linda and her family in our time of need.

Please look at calendar website for service information.