Sacramento- Linda Gayle (Cartwright) Babb, 77, of Sacramento, passed away peacefully Friday, August 9, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.

Born August 2, 1947, in Madisonville, Ky., Linda was the youngest daughter of James and Marie Cartwright. She grew up alongside her three older sisters and a younger brother and often told nostalgic stories of living on the Fitzgerald Farm in Madisonville. It was this simple upbringing on the farm that would shape her devotion to her family, her faith and a deep love of animals.

She was a 1965 graduate of Madisonville High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, Robert “Butch” Babb. The couple wed September 24, 1965, and have celebrated 58 years of marriage and had a lifelong, playful competition of who loved the other one “more.” Every birthday, anniversary, or Valentine’s Day card, and love notes traded through the years was inscribed with the single-word statement to keep the volley in play.

Linda dedicated her life to raising her children as a stay-at-home mom while they were young. She was a constant presence to support their activities serving as a Girl Scout troop leader, Vacation Bible School leader, youth group leader and a helper with the VFW Junior Girls.  She demonstrated many creative talents and skills including crafting, crocheting, embroidery, sewing, and painting. She also had a theatrical flair, having directed many church plays and skits at Poplar Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church where she was a member.

As her children reached middle school, Linda chose to enter the workforce with her first job handling phone sales for the Sears catalog store. Soon after, she enrolled into classes to further her education and became certified as a Ward Clerk. Linda joined Regional Medical Center in Madisonville in 1980 where she worked on third shift for 31 years until her retirement in 2011. The majority of her career at RMC was spent as the ward clerk (unit secretary) for the emergency room. She took great pride in being the “go to person” for the doctors, nurses and staff, and was often asked to train new nurses and team members assigned to the ER. She frequently heard, “If you need anything, ask Ms. Babb.” She absolutely shined in this role.

When they became empty-nesters, Linda and Butch had more time for their personal interests including touring on a Honda Gold Wing. She loved being on the open road as a passenger on the motorcycle. Additionally, Linda was a lifelong fan of Elvis Presley and has collected his movies and albums. She also collected “Gone With The Wind” memorabilia and had an affinity for antebellum plantations and décor.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, James and Marie, and sisters, Jacquelyn Shuler and Nelda Pendley. Also, her in-laws, William and Mary Babb, and brother-in-law, Phil, precede her.

In addition to her loving and devoted husband, Linda is survived by twin daughters, whom she referred to as “the girls,” Michelle (Babb) Howard and Danielle (Babb) Schwettman (husband Tom); a son, her baby boy, Brian Babb (fiancée Teresa Gregory); four grandchildren, Logan Schwettman (wife Holly), Madison Talton (husband Zach), Garrett Schwettman (wife Lindsey), and Chandler Howard (fiancée Sarah Long); six great-grandchildren, Nelson, Graham, Sadie, Samuel, Ella and Chase; a sister, Gwen Cabbage (husband Carl); a brother, Mike Cartwright (wife Shelly); a sister-in-law, Marian Baucum; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Tucker Memorial Chapel, 520 Main St., Sacramento, Ky. The funeral service is scheduled Tuesday, August 13 at 11 a.m., followed by burial in Poplar Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Poplar Grove Cemetery Fund to P.O. Box 234, Sacramento, KY 42372. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.