Linda M. Sizelove age 77, of Fayetteville, AR and formerly of Elwood, passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2017 following an extended illness.  She was born on January 22, 1940 in Elwood, the youngest of five children to Dallas and Grace (Shepard) Murphy.  Linda treasured her family life.  She grew up in Elwood, Indiana, surrounded by her sisters, brothers, and many beloved nieces and nephews.  Linda was a 1958 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School.  She later married the love of her life, Stephen H. Sizelove, on June 26, 1960 and they shared nearly 57 years together.  She was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church in Elwood.  Linda will be remembered for hosting large family gatherings full of merriment, and often heated, friendly competitions.  She could always be found partaking in one of many card matches or outdoor games.  Linda lovingly passed these traditions on to her grandchildren, to whom she was "Nana".  She will be remembered for always being ready to play a game of Crazy 8's or Euchre.

Linda firmly believed in education.  While raising her young family and working as an office receptionist with Dr. Drake, she attended Indiana University of Kokomo and proudly earned her degree as a Registered Nurse in 1972.  She embodied all qualities of a real nurse in everything she did, always nurturing those around her.  Linda served as director of the Elwood Meals on Wheels program, and also worked for Visiting Nurses.  Steve and Linda owned 22nd Street Hardware and Sizelove Construction in Elwood; and Linda ran the accounting side of the Hardware Store.  Linda also liked to volunteer, and her favorite role was in support of the Elwood Public Library.  During her tenure as president of the Library board, she was honored to lead the construction of the Elwood and Summitville library buildings.  During retirement, Linda and Steve moved to Augusta, Georgia to be closer to a daughter and her grandchildren.  There, she became involved in painting classes and enjoyed her painting group.  Later, in 2015, Linda and Steve moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas to be close to their other daughter and family.

Linda is survived by her husband of nearly 57 years, Stephen Sizelove of Fayetteville, AR; two daughters, Amy (husband Rick) Sorrell of Fayetteville, AR and Laura (husband Jim) Sizelove-Farmer of Augusta, GA; 6 grandchildren who were the light of her world, Alexandra Sorrell, Katharine Sorrell, Hannah Farmer, Trey Farmer, Spencer Farmer and Gabriella Farmer; and several beloved nieces and nephews.  Linda was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Merlin Murphy and Jerry Murphy; and 2 sisters, Jean Connors and Rosemary Riley.

A funeral service celebrating Linda's life will be conducted at 12:00 pm on Monday, May 15, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church, 1500 North A Street, Elwood, with Rev. Bill Mathys, former minister of the church, officiating.  Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Elwood.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 4 pm on Sunday, May 14, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, and from 11 am to 12 pm on Monday immediately prior to the funeral service at the First United Methodist Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.