Linda Marie Prowse

Linda Marie Prowse April 23, 1948 – March 22, 2025 Linda Marie Prowse, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished member of the Monroe, Oregon community, passed away March 22, 2025. Born on April 23, 1948, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to Raymond and Dorothy Darby, Linda was raised with a deep appreciation for life’s simple yet important lessons. She was much known for her inherited saying, “duct tape holds the world together.” As a teenager, Linda moved to Southern California, where she embraced the carefree joys of youth, spending time cruising up and down the beach, and attending roller derbies. It was there, in 1965 that she met the love of her life, David Prowse. Linda had pulled over on the side of the road, waiting for a friend before heading to a roller derby. Dave, spotting her and assuming she was having car troubles, stopped to lend a hand. Little did he know, that moment would change both of their lives forever…it was love at first sight. Their connection was instant and soon after, they began their journey together, marrying on October 28, 1966. Excited to embrace all of life’s adventures, Linda and Dave eagerly embarked on their first great milestone: starting a family. Together, they raised three children, building a life filled with love and excitement. Eventually, the couple sought a new adventure and made the bold decision to move to Alaska, where they truly built a life from the ground up. It was there that Linda developed her deep love for forget-me-nots, a flower that would always remind her of those cherished years. After spending nine wonderful years in Alaska, Linda and Dave decided to settle in Monroe, Oregon, where they would build a home and a lasting legacy. They quickly made their house a warm and welcoming space, embracing their new community with open arms. Linda warmly welcomed her children’s friends with hot meals and motherly embraces, and became a beloved figure at the local store where people would visit just to see her. Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds. Linda eventually took over the Monroe Senior Center, where she devoted countless hours to ensuring the town’s senior citizens had access to fresh, warm meals and memorable trips to the coast. She had a heart for service and always put others before herself. Linda’s kindness extended to the next generation, embracing the role of a "community grandma" when she welcomed her grandchildren into her life. She dedicated lots of time to the local youth volunteering in classrooms and supporting the local 4-H club. Her dedication was recognized when she received a distinguished community service award from Benton County 4-H, an honor that reflected her unwavering commitment to the people she cared so deeply for. Beyond her dedication to community work, Linda had a vibrant and adventurous spirit. She and Dave shared a passion for cruising in their cherished 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe. Whether winding along scenic routes to the Oregon Coast for whale watching in Depot Bay or proudly participating in the Function 4 Junction, where their beloved car earned the Best 1940s Stock award, they found joy in every journey they took together. At home, Linda’s passions beamed through in every detail. She nurtured stunning flowers, carefully maintaining their beauty to attract her favorite animal, hummingbirds. She loved baking and was known for making the most delicious treats, as well as creating gorgeous handmade jewelry that she would share with her husband, family, and friends. Linda may have believed that duct tape held the world together, but in actuality, it was she who held all of us together. She was the heart of her family and community, always putting others before herself and ensuring everyone felt cared for. Her warmth, wisdom, and selflessness created an incredible life, not just for herself, but for all who had the privilege of knowing her. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Dorothy Darby, and her brother, Lee Darby. She is survived by her husband, David Prowse; her sister, Judy Fields; her children, Kenny Prowse, Nancy Doyle, and Stacy Prowse; and her grandchildren, Michael Doyle and Jessica Perez. A Celebration of Linda’s life will be held Friday, March 28 at 1:00 Monroe Heritage Hall

Tributes

Linda Marie Prowse

April 23, 1948 - March 22, 2025