Linda Pipes Echols passed away unexpectedly while on a family vacation on November 25, 2020.  At the time of her passing, she was with her children and grandchildren enjoying a four-wheeler ride through the beautiful Colorado Mountains. Lynn, as most knew her, was born in Ruston, LA to parents Jack and Atsie “Cherry” Pipes on October 13, 1949.She was a kind and generous soul who never met a stranger. Wherever she went and whoever met her was left with a delightful impression. Lynn adored her family and was always present to help them, teach them, or just love them.

Growing up on a farm in Choudrant, LA inspired in her a love for nature and adventure. Lynn’s adventurous spirit propelled her to not just exist in the world but to explore it until her last day. She loved to travel and had the opportunity to experience so many unique destinations with family and friends. One of her greatest adventures was meeting and then marrying the love of her life, Paul Echols, on February 5, 1971. They experienced thirty-six years of marriage before God called him home. Lynn is now reunited with him and, once again, having the time of her life.

Lynn was an active member of Temple Baptist Church. Her love for her church, her Sunday school class, and especially her Savior inspired her to serve her community. She served in Temple’s Grief Share ministry, helping others process deep loss. During her years of serving in this capacity, she ministered to countless people and pointed them to Jesus, the great Comforter. Lynn also started Ryan’s Clinging Cross Ministry, which sends handheld crosses to the United States’ military men and women who are serving all over the world. Having been married to a former United States Air Force veteran, she understood the encouragement these crosses brought to those far from home.

Lynn was also an avid Louisiana Tech University fan. She had the privilege of working in the Computer, Forestry, and Engineering Departments. After serving many years with the university, she retired to begin new adventures.

Lynn is preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Paul Echols and her mother and father, Jack C. and Atsie “Cherry” Pipes. Left to cherish her memory are her children Daniel Shane Echols and wife Carmen McNeill Echols and Amy Echols Allen and husband Shannon. Grandchildren: Austin Layne Allen and wife Michelle Burks Allen; Ethan Caleb Allen, Katie Nicole Echols, and Jackson Neill Echols. Great Granddaughter: Harley May Allen. Sister: Berthanne “Buttons” Pipes Taylor and husband Marc as well as her adopted family Drake, Ann Marie, Tyler and Morgan Mills.  Special friends “The Original Steel Magnolias”, Janie Ainsworth, Ancie Parkman and Sherry Jones.

Honorary pallbearers are her ladies Sunday school class and her Special Group of Widow Women that she loved so very deeply.   She is also remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and amazing friends.

Due to Covid restrictions, the family will be having a private graveside service later in the week.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Children’s hospital.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 3, 2020 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.