Linda Kay Willis

Born on May 7, 1946, in Temple, Texas, to Floyd and Edna Willis, Linda grew up on the family’s cotton farm and graduated from Troy High School in 1964. That same year, she became a licensed cosmetologist—a calling that brought her joy and friendship for sixty one years. Even as 2025 began, she was still behind the chair full-time, doing what she loved most—making people look and feel their best. Though she was forced to retire in February, she continued to cut a client or two each week, doing her very last haircut the day she died.

Growing up, she was a permanent shadow to her big sister, Barbara—if Barbara was going somewhere, Linda was right behind her. When Barbara got her driver’s license, Linda was quick to claim the passenger seat of her 1951 Chevy, joining her for every drive, every laugh, and every bit of fun the two could find. Later joined by their younger sister Betty, the three stayed close throughout life, gathering for family vacations and holidays back home with the families of her three brothers, always filled with laughter and love.

In 1974, Linda moved to Brenham, Texas, where she raised her two daughters, Amy and Angela (Angie). After Amy’s passing in 1997, Linda lovingly stepped in to care for her grandson, Garrett. In 2002, he joined Angela, her husband, Rusty, who had recently welcomed their son, Spencer—and soon after, daughter Tatum. A couple of months later, Linda made Austin her permanent home, where she continued to fill her days with family, work, and friendship.

Linda had a passion for life that defined her existence. She was a fixture at the bowling alley, where she bowled in a weekly league for nearly fifty years—stopping only earlier this year. She was also a lifelong country and western dancer who loved the polka, two-step, and waltz.

Sundays often found her at the Cotton Club Dancehall in Granger where she made lifelong friends and dance partners. She also loved heading to Jenni’s Little Longhorn to see her friend Luisa’s band, ATX Pearl and cheering on her son-in-law as he played drums in his bands Kissinger and Girling.

Her social circle was wide and warm—she never met a stranger and had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. She loved her yard and took great pride in her garden and her back porch, where she’d relax among her flowers listening to Merle Haggard CDs, especially her favorite song, “If We Make It Through December.”

Linda is survived by her daughter, Angela (Angie) Lancaster; son-in-law, Rusty Zagst; grandchildren, Garrett Kristopher Lancaster, Spencer Lee Zagst, and Tatum Pearl Zagst; sister, Barbara Stafford; sister-in-law, Jonnie Willis; and eleven nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her lifelong best friends—Sandy Johnson, Tootsie Fischer, Peggy Kramer, and Mona Mack—as well as countless other dear friends and loyal customers who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Amy Lancaster; her parents, Floyd and Edna Willis; her siblings, Floyd “Pete” Willis, James “Cotton” Willis, Harold “Harry” Willis, and Betty Chaney; brothers-in-law, Bob Chaney and Harvey Stafford; and sister-in-law, Anne Willis.

Linda was clear about one thing: she didn’t want a funeral. Instead, her family will celebrate her life the way she lived it—with laughter, music, and good company. A party in her honor will be held at a later date.

She lived simply but loved fiercely, and her spirit—generous, joyful, and unmistakably her own

—will live on in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to have known her.