She was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan on June 6, 1946, a daughter of the late Merrill (Bud) Lanker Sr. and Gertrude Lanker.
Linda is held in loving memory by her son, Lance Umble and his wife Aimee, daughter, Dana Graham and her husband John, sister Nancy Bryan, grandchildren Carter, Colton, Brynlee, Channing, Carson, Keira, Rick, Sienna and her husband Justin, Phoebe and Emilio, great grandchildren, Nash, Olive, Ruby, Millie and Izzy and a host of nieces, nephews and other beloved friends and relatives.
She is preceded in death by her parents as well as her sister Marilyn Meitz and her brothers Brian Lanker and Merrill Lanker Jr.
Winnie, as she was adoringly referred to by her grandchildren, moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1957 at the age of 11. She attended Sunnyslope High School and graduated from the University of Arizona where she received her degree in Nursing. Winnie loved being a nurse and serving her community. She started her 40 year nursing career at Barrow Neurological Institute and went on to work as a trauma and survival flight nurse, was a CCRN and the head of nursing at Phoenix Baptist Hospital.
Winnie married Dennis Umble in 1969 who had moved to Arizona from Atglen, PA and from there the family tree began to blossom. Winnie was a strong, loyal, devoted, kind, selfless and (sometimes) stubborn woman. Winnie loved her children and grandchildren with all of her heart and lived for those moments when she could see her grandchildren on the playing fields, school plays and theatres. She will be forever known as the greatest gift-giver the world has ever seen as she scoured every inch of the globe for that perfect gift for her loved ones. She was a devoted Christian and loved the Lord passionately and began each daily devotional with "God woke me up today". God has now taken you home to be with Him mom. We love you so much and can't wait to see you again someday.
A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Christ's Church of the Valley located at 7007 W. Happy Valley Rd. Peoria, AZ 85383.
Immediately following service, a catered reception will be held at Paloma Community Park 29799 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Peoria AZ 85385. Guests will have use of ramadas 9, 10 and 11.
Memorial donations may be given to the Make A Wish Foundation of Arizona.
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