Linda Gonzales Oden

Linda K. McLeod Gonzales Oden, 77, of Odessa, Texas, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, peacefully after a long illness, surrounded by the love of her family and faith.

Born on November 14, 1947, in Kilgore, Texas, to Jack Olen and Frances K. McLeod, Linda moved to Odessa as a child and graduated from Permian High School in 1966. Throughout her life, Linda wore several hats: secretary, bookkeeper, counselor, food truck owner, and above all, a guiding light to those in need. In her mid-life, Linda returned to school, earning multiple degrees and certifications that served her passion for helping others. She received an Associate of Arts from Odessa College in 1993, followed by a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas, where she was honored on the President’s Honor List and inducted into Psi Chi. In 1994 she earned her Master’s in Education from Sul Ross University. Linda became a Certified Prevention Specialist in alcoholism and drug abuse, a Certified Crisis and Suicide Intervention counselor, and later, a Certified Anger Management Therapist. For many years, she taught DUI classes and was known for her no-nonsense approach that helped countless people turn their lives around. Never one to sit still, Linda also owned and operated her food truck, Texas Black Gold, bringing her good cooking to local fairs and out-of-town markets.

A proud and devoted member of Faith Community Baptist Church in Odessa for 25 years, Linda lived her faith through action by helping the less fortunate, advocating for those without a voice, and standing strong in her beliefs.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Frances McLeod; her sisters, Jean Adams and Shirley Davidson; her beloved husbands, Mickey Gonzales and Mike Oden; niece, Kalen Altis; and grandson, Jeremia Raygan.

Linda is survived by her son, Jack Ragan, and his wife, Tonya, of Springfield, Missouri; daughter, Jennifer Kinman, and her husband, John, of Lubbock, Texas; grandchildren, Kiefer Kinman and fiancée, Ola Dziki, of London, United Kingdom, Kelsi Berryhill and her husband, Nathan Berryhill, of Odessa, Texas, and Bryant Ragan and fiancée, Krystyn Conatser, of Odessa, Texas; great grandchildren, Freya, Graeven, August, Dallas, Averie; daughter-in-law, Danielle Davidson Bozzell of Odessa, Texas; step-grandchildren, Stephanie Ashworth and Shawn Hughes of Springfield, Missouri; lifelong best friend, Linda-Edge Moore, Patsy Lange, & Robin McSpadden; and her church family, Brother Wayne, Pat Shelton & everyone at Faith Community Baptist Church.

Linda’s life was full of joy and a strength that made her unforgettable. She enjoyed dancing, bingo nights at the VFW, and playing slots in Vegas and Wendover, Nevada. She loved to hang out with friends at Pojos drinking iced tea. She was a Dallas Cowboys football fan and loved playing football squares. She either got real lucky or would say “missed big jackpot by one” She loved watching true crime and mystery stories. She loved spending time with all her grandchildren. She never wanted to miss any birthday parties. She always showed up with candy, donuts or some sort of gift for her great grandbabies. She was truly the best Noni around.

To know Linda was to know a woman of conviction, deep independence, and endless compassion. She fought hard, loved fiercely, and left behind a legacy of resilience, education, and kindness.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and doctors of ORH’s 4th floor and the Interim Hospice care team for their unwavering support during her final days.

A celebration of her life will be held Monday, April 28, 2025, at Rosehill Cemetery at Ector County Cemetery, 300 S. Dixie Blvd. Odessa, Texas, 79761. Brother Wayne Shelton will be officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.

She will always be missed deeply but remembered with love and laughter.