Linda K. (Rike) Evans

Linda K. Evans

78 of Lewisburg passed away on Monday August 4, 2025 at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana.

She was born February 5, 1947 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Fred and Edna (Grill) Rike.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin, earlier this year in March; her brother, Jim Rike; sister-in-law; Bea Rike; nephew, Stephen Rike; brothers-in-law, Allen

Tackett and Landis Eldridge; and her stepfather, Jack Hinton.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Sherri (Scott) Waller and son, Marvin T. (Melinda) Evans; grandchildren, Heather (Josh) Boggs, Dustin Waller, Harlee (David Doyle) Evans and Christopher Evans; great grandchildren, Tristan, Braelyn, Eli and Kenzi; siblings, Frank Rike, Sandy Eldridge and Rick Rike. She is also survived by several brothers and sisters in law and nieces and nephews.

Linda was a woman of quiet strength, generous spirit, and boundless creativity. Whether she was at her sewing machine or curled up with a Harlequin Romance novel, she found joy in the simple things that made life rich and meaningful. Her love for crocheting and quilting wasn’t just a pastime, it was a way she wrapped her care around those she loved. Many of us have been blessed to receive one of her handmade treasures, each stitch woven with patience and love.

A lifelong gardener, Linda’s backyard was always full of life and color. Every spring, she planted with intention, and come harvest, she was busy in the kitchen canning the fruits of her labor, jars of preserves, pickles, and sauces lined her shelves like little time capsules of summer.

When she wasn’t crafting or gardening, Linda could often be found with a paperback in hand, immersed in the hopeful, heartfelt pages of her favorite romance stories. She had a romantic soul and a deep belief in love, which she nurtured not only through books but in how she treated others, with kindness, understanding, and warmth.

Above all, family was the center of Linda’s world. She looked forward to family reunions with great anticipation, cherishing the laughter, the hugs, the stories shared, and the meals around long tables.

Linda’s family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to the Preble County Council on Aging; those who helped Linda at the Fresenius Dialysis in Eaton, Ohio and also the doctors, nurses and all of those who cared for her at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 8 from 5-7PM at PREBLE MEMORY GARDENS FUNERAL CENTER, West Alexandria and on Saturday, August 9 from 12-1PM also at the funeral home.  The funeral service will begin at 1PM with Joe Getts officiating.