Linda Lucille Pendergrass

Linda Lucille Pendergrass of Wasilla, Alaska passed on Jan. 1, 2018 in Sun City, Arizona at the age of 69. Linda was born on Sept. 12, 1948 to William and Irene Ellis in Langdon, North Dakota. The family moved to California when she was young. She graduated from San Juan High School in Citrus Heights, California in 1966.

In 1973 Linda married Joe Pendergrass and they relocated to Palmer, Alaska. Linda was a wife and mother, and worked at Koslosky’s Department Store, Van Gas, and Alaska Brick before finding her career position with the Palmer Police Department. She retired from the police department in 1999.

Linda was an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in the Xi Eta Chapter and was a life member of the Alaska Peace Officers Association (APOA). She held several offices in both and was a committed and valued member for many years. In 1996 Linda and Joe were honored as members of the year in recognition of their dedication to the organization. Linda was a generous person always involved in activities giving back to the community. She was a volunteer with the Special Santa Project and the Homeless Connection as well as devoting many years to the Bishops Attic in Palmer. Being a true Alaskan, she devoted time to the Alaska State Fair, volunteering at the cotton candy booth for her sorority and the spin art booth for the APOA. If there was a need in the community, Linda was there. She also took a great joy in her flower and vegetable garden at home.

Linda was preceded in death by her father; brother, Jerry Ellis; and her sister, Wilma Mallory. Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Joe Pendergrass of Wasilla, Alaska; her mother, Irene Ellis of Newport, Washington; her sister, Donna Wright (Jim) of El Paso, Texas; daughters, Lisa Parker (Dave) of Wylie, Texas and Tammy Campbell (Jesse) of Goose Creek, South Carolina; sons, Richard Pendergrass of Summersville, South Carolina and Joe Pendergrass II (Tonya) of Woodsville, Alabama; foster daughters, Dian Wares (Lonnie) of Palmer, Alaska and Amber Hill (Brad) of Wasilla, Alaska; 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; numerous other relatives; and countless friends. Linda Lu was a kind, caring, strong and unassuming woman of character and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Palmer Elks Lodge on Barry’s Resort Road. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Xi Eta Chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.