Linda Carol Forrest

Born July 18, 1952, in Washington, D.C., Linda was a hardworking and devoted mother who worked tirelessly to raise her two children. Her children were her life, and the love she had for her family remained at the center of who she was throughout her life.

Linda's determination carried into a career spanning nearly two decades of federal and U.S. Navy service. Beginning as an apprentice at the Norfolk Naval Air Depot in 1985, she became an instrument mechanic, supporting aircraft including the A-6 Intruder and F-14 Tomcat. Her career later took her to Jacksonville, Florida, where she continued her work in several specialized aviation shops and systems until her retirement.

Linda was strong-willed and determined, but underneath that strength was an incredibly kind heart. She also had a wonderfully dry sense of humor and a special talent for delivering a perfectly timed zinger with such a straight face that you sometimes weren't quite sure whether she was joking.

She enjoyed shooting pool and was quite good at it. She loved dogs, enjoyed gambling, and appreciated the simple things that brought some fun and excitement into life.

During the most difficult chapter of her life, ACG Hospice was a true blessing to Linda and to all of us. Their compassion, patience, and professionalism brought comfort and peace, and they treated Linda with dignity and kindness every step of the way. They were also a tremendous support to our family, always there with understanding hearts and guidance when we needed it most. We are forever grateful.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Beatrice Virginia Leedy and Paris Wesley Leedy; her sister, Virginia (Ginny) Leedy; and her beloved son, John Steven Hippensteel.

She is survived by her daughter, Trisha Hester, and son-in-law, Danny Hester; her grandchildren, Christopher (Taylor) Newsome, Savannah (John) Deibert, and Jordyn Newsome; her great-grandchildren, Harley Rae Melvin-Moss and Bryleigh Rayne Deibert; her sisters, Elaine Murdock and Patricia Poore; and her husband, Howard Ray Forrest.

Celebration of Life Service

September 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Arrangements are being handled by

Blue Ridge Funeral Home in Roanoke, Virginia.

She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed.