Linda Ebersole Gilgen

Linda Susan (Fyock) Ebersole Gilgen left this earthly life unexpectedly on October 21, 2024, in Draper, Utah, just days shy of her 76th birthday. 

Born to Robert and Lois Fyock on October 25, 1948, in Oakland, California, Linda grew up in Lemon Grove, a sunny suburb of San Diego, where she enjoyed a happy childhood filled with family and music. After graduating from Helix High School (La Mesa, CA) in 1966, she pursued a degree in Music Education at San Diego State. 

In 1968, she married the love of her life, John “Johnny” Charles Ebersole, and together they moved to Cache Valley, Utah, where they began a new life, attended Utah State University, and soon started their family with the birth of twins, John Robert and Laura June. The marriage of Linda and Johnny was sadly cut short and ended with the devastating loss of Johnny in 1973. In 1975, Linda married Gary Kent Gilgen, who lovingly raised Laura, John Charles, and Joseph as his own. Together, they shared 40 years, until Gary’s passing in 2015.

Linda's dedication to education was evident throughout her life. She earned two bachelor's degrees, the first in Music Education (emphasis in organ and voice), the second in Elementary Education, and later graduated summa cum laude with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Utah State University. 

Her professional journey was marked by her unwavering commitment to nurturing young hearts and minds, first as a full-time mother, then as a beloved teacher at Edith Bowen Laboratory School, and later as the Director of the Children’s House at Utah State University (1991-2012). Linda was also on the board of directors for the Utah chapter of the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), traveling the state and educating teachers and advocating for quality education of young children. Following her retirement in 2012, Linda continued her service to others as a volunteer at the Cache Valley Pregnancy Resource Center. Her faith and compassion extended into all aspects of her life.

Music was a lifelong passion of Linda’s and she was an accomplished pianist and organist at an early age. She spent countless hours practicing piano, organ, and accompanying choirs. All of these activities brought her great fulfillment. She served as an organist and pianist in several churches across Cache Valley (First Presbyterian, Full Gospel, Maranatha Baptist), enriching lives with her beautiful talents. She lived her life in the spirit of the hymn, “It is Well with My Soul.”

Linda cherished her role as a mother and grandmother (lovingly called MaMa G). Her family was her pride and source of abundant joy and support for her family was boundless. She was known for her generous heart, offering love and encouragement to her children and grandchildren in all their endeavors whether that was school, sports, music, or any other domain in life. 

Linda’s strong faith guided her through many personal losses, including the tragic death (plane crash Canyonlands, Utah) of her first husband, Johnny, after just five years of marriage, and the earlier heartbreaking loss of their 4 month old infant son, John Robert, to SIDS. Her faith inspired her to rely on God’s strength and peace, which provided her with great resilience throughout her life's journey. 

Linda also found joy in nature and was captivated by the beauty of changing seasons, especially autumn. Linda’s creativity flourished in her hobbies, especially in sewing, where she became an accomplished seamstress. She delighted in making her children clothing and creating handmade gifts for family and friends including knitted blankets, cross-stitch, and crocheted keepsakes. 

Linda is survived by her loving family: daughter Laura June Ebersole Francis (Mark); sons John Charles Ebersole and Joseph Christian Gilgen (Richard); sister Laura Bartel; brother-in-law Michael Ebersole; and her cherished grandchildren, Brianna, Moriah, Joshua (Hailey), Micah, Willow, and Tait. She is also survived by her niece Kimberly Bartel and nephews Jordan Bartel and Jason Passarelli.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, John Charles Ebersole; second husband, Gary Kent Gilgen; infant son, John Robert Ebersole; her sister, Louise Fyock; sister-in-law, Lita Ebersole; brother-in-law, Brad Bartel; and her parents, Lois and Robert Fyock.

A graveside service to honor Linda’s life will be held on Nov. 15, 2024 2:00pm at the Logan Cemetery. A private celebration of life for her closest loved ones will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pregnancy Resource Center of Cache Valley or the Cache Humane Society, two causes close to Linda’s heart. Linda's legacy of love, generosity, laughter, and faith will forever remain in the memories of those she touched.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.allenmortuaries.com.