Linda Mae Cothran of Howe, Oklahoma was born on August 4, 1947 in Checotah, Oklahoma to Henry Perry and Butha Lorene (Coley) Morton and went home to be with her Savior on May 14, 2026 in Howe, Oklahoma at the age of 78.

Linda is survived by:

Two daughters:

Dana Lorene Gibson of Howe, Oklahoma

Roni Lynn Ary of Howe, Oklahoma

One son:

Jack Kyle Denny and wife Angie of Hoyt, Oklahoma

One brother:

Roy Purdom of Muskogee, Oklahoma

10 grandchildren:

Dera McGlugritch, Stephany McGlugritch, Tiffany Woolery, James Woolery, Jordan Key, Justin Davis, Jonathan Davis, Kaylea Cranfield, Justice Goldman, and McKinnah Shell

Numerous great-grandchildren

One great-great-grandson

Numerous other relatives and a host of friends

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Butha and Henry Morton; her adoptive parents, Lois and Royal Purdom; her husband, Ronald Dale Cothran; twin sisters, Thelma Morton and Delma Reagan.

Linda was a longtime resident of the area and a faithful member of Way to Victory Church. She proudly earned her LPN from Kiamichi Vo-Tech and later received her RN degree from Carl Albert Junior College. Nursing was never just a job to Linda — it was her calling. She spent many years caring for others at EOMC in Labor and Delivery, where she touched countless lives with her compassion and gentle spirit. She also served as Director of Nursing at The Oaks Nursing Home and Heavener Nursing Home, always leading with kindness, strength, and dedication.

Linda had a beautiful smile that could brighten even the darkest day. She had a way of making people feel loved, welcomed, and cared for the moment they met her. More than anything, Linda treasured time spent with her family and friends, creating memories filled with laughter, love, and warmth. Her caring heart, unwavering faith, and the love she shared so freely will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her.

A funeral service to honor Linda's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 18, 2026 at the Way to Victory Church in Rock Island, Oklahoma with Reverend Daniel Brittain officiating and the Nurses' Honor Guard of the River Valley. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center of Poteau, Oklahoma.

Viewing will be from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday. The family will visit with friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Sunday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center Chapel at 28918 205th Ave. in Poteau, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be: James Woolery, Jordan Key, Justin Davis, Justice Goldman, Tyler Brittain, and Jonathan Davis.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Daniel Key, Matt Webster, and Gary McGlugritch.