Linda Kay Lanham

Linda, born on July 1, 1959, passed away on August 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She lived a life defined by compassion, resilience, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her presence was a source of comfort, strength, and steady kindness, and her absence leaves a profound ache in the hearts of many.

Linda shared her life with her beloved husband, Charles “CJ” Lanham, with whom she built a home rooted in generosity and service. Together, they owned and operated CJ’s Pancake House, a place known for warm meals, welcoming smiles, and a Christmas tradition of feeding anyone in need. Linda believed deeply in caring for others, and her kindness touched countless lives within the community.

She was a devoted mother to her son, Steve Lanham, and his wife, Christine (Unruh) Lanham, and to her daughter, Sara Lanham, stepson, John Corrola, and a proud grandmother to little “CJ” Christopher J Martin, who brought her immense joy. Her family was her heart, and she carried them through every season of life with love, loyalty, and quiet strength.

Linda is survived by her siblings: Nancy (Gottschalk) Homewood, Danny Lassley, and Christine Lassley, each of whom shared a lifelong bond with her. She cherished her role as a sister, offering support, protection, and understanding whenever it was needed.

She is also survived by her nephews, Jason Gottschalk, Royce Gottschalk-Lassley, and niece Fawn Lassley.

She is preceded in death by her siblings Diane (Gottschalk) Montgomery and Steve Gottschalk, whose memories remained close to her heart throughout her life.

Linda is also preceded in death by her parents: her mother Shirley (Malek) Lassley, her stepfather Ed Lassley, and her biological father Melvin Gottschalk. She carried their stories, lessons, and love with her always.

Throughout her life, Linda faced significant challenges — hearing loss, heart failure, surgeries, and moments of deep struggle — yet she met each one with courage and determination. Her resilience was quiet but powerful, and her generosity never faded, even in her hardest moments. She was known for her protective nature, her humor, her stubborn bravery, and her willingness to help anyone who needed a hand or a home.

Linda’s legacy is one of compassion, strength, and fierce devotion. She leaves behind memories that will be cherished forever and a family who will continue to honor her through the love she taught them to give.

She was deeply loved. She will be profoundly missed.