Linda Charles Dye

Linda was born in San Diego on December 12, 1950, to Ruby and Donald Charles, and grew up with a spirit that was both independent and endlessly curious. She attended Grant High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from California State University, Northridge — an accomplishment she was deeply proud of.

Linda lived many lives in one lifetime. She worked as a nursing assistant in a convalescent home, a server, spent time in construction, and later found her calling in early childhood education as a preschool teacher and an elementary school teacher. Her work reflected her hands on nature, her resilience, and her belief that learning happens everywhere — in classrooms, in gardens, on road trips, and in the everyday moments that make a life.

One of Linda’s greatest adventures was the year she moved to Gothenburg, Sweden, using it as a home base to explore Europe. That time abroad shaped her worldview and deepened her love for culture, travel, and discovery.

Linda’s hobbies were as varied and vibrant as she was. She loved gardening, baseball, visiting the beach and museums, shooting pool, dancing, camping, listening to music, working on puzzles, cooking, going to concerts, taking road trips, sewing, and keeping a spotless home. She found joy in simple pleasures — a clean house, a warm bath, fresh pajamas, a cold soda pop, or a good meal shared with people she loved.

She was a woman of faith, rooted in her Christian upbringing and Lutheran traditions, and she carried that quiet faith with her throughout her life.

Linda is survived by her only child, Bethany Dianne Erickson (Beth); her husband John Dye (JD), and her siblings Mickey Lynn and Douglas Leon. Preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, her brothers Kenneth and Richard; and dear friend Tim; Also by her sister-in-law Sharon Dee, nephews Bradley and Jonathan, who all now welcome her home.

Linda will be cremated and a private memorial service will be held. Her ashes will be scattered at sea. Her favorite spot was Paradise Cove in Malibu — a place where she felt most free.

*Celebration of Life*

June 6, 2026, Memorial at 2:00 PM

American Legion Post 817

13553 Reedley Street

Panorama City, CA 91402

The family of Linda Charles Dye invites you to remember her whenever the warmth of the sun touches your skin, when you’re tending to your garden, when your car windows are down or the top is off your convertible. Hear her spirit sing when the Dodgers win, during the Seventh Inning Stretch, when you join in on Take Me Out to the Ballgame, or when Randy Newman belts out I Love LA after a victory. Think of her when you spot a Karmann Ghia or a Bird of Paradise, when you enjoy a lobster dinner or surf and turf, or when you crack open an ice cold soda. Remember her in the comfort of a hot bath or the softness of clean pajamas at the end of a long day.

Linda lived with a free spirit, a generous heart, and a love for life’s small joys. May her memory be a blessing, and may her light continue to shine in all the places she loved.

Forever in our hearts….