Lynda Carol McDonald Roden

Lynda Carol McDonald Roden, beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Friend, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 after a courageous battle with a debilitating, terminal illness. She was in her home in Killeen, Texas with her loving husband by her side.

Mrs. Roden was born in Ballinger, Texas on March 10, 1946. She grew up in Big Spring, Texas where she met her childhood sweetheart, John Michael Roden. The two were married on August 31, 1962 and celebrate 54 blessed years of marriage this month. For 31 years, Mrs. Roden was employed at Clifton Park Elementary School. She loved on and brought joy to the students and staff alike. Mrs. Roden initially worked as an aide in a variety of classrooms. Later, she served as a secretary in the front office. She retired from the school district in June of 2011. Mrs. Roden was an avid animal lover and on occasion, known to bring home a stray or two. She was well known for her antics and her fun-loving nature. She always had open, welcoming arms and an open seat at the table if you happened to be there at dinnertime. She loved to laugh and be silly and dote on her kids and grandkids. She brought much joy and enriched the lives of all who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and her family longingly looks forward to the day when they will see her again.

Mrs. Roden was preceded in death by her parents, Ella Beatrice Compton and John McDonald, as well as, her grandson, Daniel Mataska. Survivors include her husband, John Roden of Killeen; children, Chandra (Roden) and Paul Irvin of Marble Falls, TX, John and Kathy Roden of Schertz, TX, Chance and Jennifer Roden of Killeen, TX, and Jennafer (Roden) and Kevin Weary of Colorado Springs, CO; sister, Merlene Brown of Big Spring, TX; 16 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and a number of other friends and family.

The Roden Family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the following people: New Century Hospice for their excellent care and support, Chaplain Albert Lopez for ministry and prayers, faithful friends and co-workers from Clifton Park Elementary School for all of their love and support, and Ms. Veda from Visiting Angels for her loving care and service. A Memorial service for Mrs. Roden will be held at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 S. Ft. Hood St., Killeen, TX on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Humane Society, Texas Humane Heroes- Killeen Adoption Center at 5501 Clear Creek Road, Killeen, TX are encouraged.