Linda Heaton

Linda Bernice Heaton, 92, passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022, while under the compassionate care of Compassus Hospice and the staff at Van Buren County Hospital and her daughter, Lyn Ross.

Linda was born in Rock Island, Illinois to Roy and Sophie (Manninga) Fisher on August 20, 1930.  Linda graduated from Davenport High School and retired as the head dispatcher for the Bettendorf Police Department.  She married and later divorced Kenneth Cabel.  In the early seventies, Linda met the love of her life, Virgil Heaton.  They married in Rock Island on June 30, 1973.  Together, they traveled throughout the United States, camping and visiting friends and relatives whenever possible.

Linda loved God and was intrigued by the life of Jesus Christ.  She was heavily involved in the church and served in multiple capacities as a member of several local parishes.  Linda was an inspirational role model and worked very hard to develop and enhance the Catholic community.

Linda loved her family.  She raised her children with patience and understanding.  As they married, Linda empathized and supported their spouses, acting as the best mother-in-law ever.   She absolutely adored the individuality and unique personalities of all her grandchildren.  Linda marveled at the curiosity and energy of her great-grandchildren.   She took great interest and followed the lives of her nieces and nephews.

When she married Virgil, Linda welcomed the addition of his children as her own.   Linda leaves behind many, many cherished friends.  Whether it was a family reunion, a holiday gathering or a last-minute meal, Linda embodied the slogan of “the more, the merrier.”

Linda is survived by her brother, Lester Fisher (Beverly), Glencoe, Alabama, children, Susan Hanas (Rich), Anchorage, Alaska, Gary Cabel, Bettendorf, Wayne Cabel (Rolonda), Davenport, Dave Cabel (Julie), Bettendorf and Lyn Ross (Jim), Keosauqua, Iowa, stepchildren Rosalee Clark (Dean), East Moline, Ronald Heaton (Shaula), Rock Island and Cheri White (LaVerne), Ocoee, Florida, grandchildren Rick and Laney Hanas, Aimee and Ryne Smith (Payten), Emily Jester, Matthew (Kim), Danielle, Katie and Callie Cabel, Mark and Dane Clark, Kenny Lambert, Tipton and Justin Gustafson, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, husband Virgil Heaton, former husband Kenneth Cabel, brother Virgil Fisher, sister Carol Briggs and granddaughter Karen Hanas.