HEATHSVILLE—Linda Rankin French, 98, of Heathsville passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Charles William Rankin and Elsie Louise Graves Rankin. She was the devoted wife of the late Hugh West French. Linda retired after a long and fulfilling career as a nurse, a profession through which she touched countless lives.
Linda’s life was marked by compassion and service. She dedicated her career to caring for others, especially the elderly. Over the years she worked at Mary Washington Hospital, DeWitt Army Hospital, Brookwood and the Lancashire, and even opened her own small care facility where she lavished love and attention on her patients.
At home, Linda’s greatest joy was raising her family. She embraced motherhood with warmth and humor and treasured her role as matriarch as her family grew to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even a great-great-granddaughter.
She enjoyed crocheting afghans, working crossword puzzles and relaxing at home. She loved to travel, taking many cruises, and with Hugh by her side, explored much of the southern United States in their RV, with a special fondness for the Southwest. Linda also valued her friendships and remained active with her Falmouth High School Alumni Association, delighting in reunions and staying connected through the years.
Linda’s memory will be cherished by her children, Linda F. Patton (Ted), Leigh K. French (Laura), Hugh D. French, Debbie F. Matthews (David) and Janet Monteiro (Rick); her grandchildren, Leesa Shrewsbury (Mike), Jason Patton, Clark Patton, Joshua French (Lauren), Megan Catrett (Dennis), Jesse French, Daryll French (Dea) and Candi French; nine great-grandchildren, Blake, Ashton, Michaela, Carter, Aiden, Jonathan, Mason, Aubrey and Kylie; and her great-great-granddaughter, Rowan. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Hugh; and her sisters, Charlotte Woods and Tina French.
A graveside service will be held at noon on Thursday, September 11, at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Fredericksburg, with Chaplain Rusty Mullins officiating. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Northumberland County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 305, Heathsville, VA 22473.
