Linda Kay Ruddlesden

Linda Kay Ruddlesden, 72 of Parkersburg, W.Va. passed away January 15, 2014 at her residence.She was born Oct. 18, 1941 in Wood County, W.Va., a daughter of the late Clarence P. and Bettie F. Hamilton Smith. She retired as a cook with the Sheriff's office at the Wood County Holding Center. She had previously worked for O. Ames and the Jet Store. She loved her family more than anything in her life and her beloved poodle, Princess. She was a member of the Lynn St. Church of Christ in Parkersburg.Linda is survived by her children, Rhonda Rhodes (Don) of Walker, W.Va., Robert Mercer (Amanda) of Parkersburg, W.Va., Russell Mercer of Marietta, Ohio, Steve Mercer (Stacie) of Parkersburg, W.Va., Melissa Burkholder (Robert) of Broadway, NC, and Sheila Murray (Dannie) of Parkersburg, W.Va.; two sisters, Charlotte Barker (Jack) of Williamstown, and Deborah McCoy (Thomas) of Mineral Wells; two brothers, David Smith (Sandy) of Parkersburg, W.Va., and Richard Smith of Fredericksburg, VA; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers, a sister; and an infant great-granddaughter.Linda wanted to say a special thank you to her sister-in-law, Jenny Smith for always being there for her and the family and for loving and taking care of her baby brother, Robert Smith. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 400 Green St. Parkersburg with Wirt Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home.