Linnie Burton Donnelly

Linnie Burton Donnelly passed away peacefully at home the 23rd of July 2015 after a courageous and heart felt battle with glioblastoma. She was born the 29th of October 1941, the daughter of Lou Ellen (Triplett) Burton and Pete J. Burton in San Angelo, Texas. As a child, she and her sister, Mary Gay Burton, lived in several small towns throughout Texas as her father served in the Army Air Corp, before settling down in Austin, Texas where she graduated as a proud Austin High Maroon.

While in college, she met G. Arthur Donnelly, III. They married in Austin the 11th of September 1965 and briefly lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma and San Antonio, Texas before moving to Midland, Texas in 1970. They remained in Midland for the next 37 years raising their three children: Magan, Degen and Arthur. While in Midland, Linnie was active in many organizations and chaired numerous benefits over the years. She enjoyed new challenges, organizing events and interacting with people of all ages. She cherished the opportunity to teach in the Community Bible Study (CBS) Children’s program where she could be found on most Wednesday mornings over a fifteen year span. She and her husband moved to Houston in 2006 and enjoyed meeting new friends and reacquainting with old ones. She became active in St. Martin’s Episcopal Church’s Altar Guild and several other organizations.

Her love for others and her radiant personality was felt by all those around her, especially her family. Her husband, Art of almost 50 years; her children, Magan and Kenny Catney of Lubbock, Degen and William Fricker of Midland and G. Arthur Donnelly, IV and Victoria Donnelly of Houston; and her grandchildren, Blake Arthur and Katy Catney, Keaton, Claudia, and Copeland Fricker, George, Alexander, and William Donnelly. Her loss will also be felt by extended family members including, Jean Donnelly, Jeannine and Robin Donnelly, Jan and Joseph O’Neill, Ann and Richard Donnelly, David Donnelly and Pat Strong, Ann Park and Alan Burton, Golda Foster, and Patti and Mike McConnell along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Linnie was blessed with an abundance of friends who provided unwavering support and encouragement during the past year. Her love for all of you will continue as she joins her parents and sister in heaven.

We would also like to thank the numerous doctors, nurses and staff members at MD Anderson who cared for her so diligently and lovingly. Her well-being was always your priority. In addition, we express our gratitude to the loving caregivers from Caring Senior Services and Houston Hospice.

A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 30th of July, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family in the adjacent Bagby Fellowship Hall.

In the spirit of Linnie’s wishes, in lieu of the customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be made to the Petroleum Museum of Midland or Bayou Bend of Houston, where she served as a docent. Additionally, memorial contributions can be made to The Broach Foundation for Brain Cancer Research.

Linnie made life a tremendous adventure for all and she will be missed deeply by many. May perpetual light shine upon her.