Linda Barton

Obituary of Linda BartonLinda Marie (Cool) Barton, 63, of Ocala, FL, passed away Thursday night at her home. She was born December 22, 1947, the daughter of Ralph and Ruth Pater. Linda grew up in the Chicago area where she attended local schools. As a young woman, she lived and worked in the Elk Grove Village and Des Plaines, IL area. In those years, she was married for a time and was blessed with a son, David. In the mid 1970's, Linda met Phillip Cool through some mutual friends. Their friendship grew into love and they were married in 1976 and made their home in Des Plaines. Their family grew as Phillip's three daughters became a part of their family. Though they did not all live in the same house, Linda was a loving "mother" to her new daughters. Linda and Phillip were happy in those first years and then after five years Phillip was diagnosed with M.S. which would test their love and commitment for many years to come. In 1990, they moved to Ocala. Linda eventually became Phillip's caregiver and with unselfish devotion she lovingly cared for him through the next fifteen years until his passing in 2005. A few months later, she was diagnosed with colon cancer, which she battled and won. In time, Linda met Robert "Bob" Barton through their synagogue, the Mishkan Messianic Congregation in Ocala where they were united in marriage on December 8, 2007. In 2009, Linda was diagnosed with colon cancer for the second time, which she fought valiantly until the day of her death. Linda had an artistic gift and spent many hours working with ceramics which later became treasured gifts. She played the piano and organ in her earlier years. She had a giving spirit and spent many years giving volunteer hours with orphaned animals providing foster homes for many of them. She and Bob were faithful members of the Mishkan Messianic Congregation, where Linda was the Dance Leader and loved to dance for the LORD. With so many wonderful people in this world, Linda's radiance made her more beautiful both inside and out. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Barton of Ocala, FL; one son, David Ames of Toledo, OH; three daughters: Linda (Scott) Shields of St. Charles, IL; Susan Lawyer of Geneva, IL and Amy (Robert) King of Elburn, IL; five grandchildren: Christopher and Sarah Shields; Hannah, Abagail and Olivia King and a community of friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and her second husband, Phillip Cool. Arrangements by ROBERTS FUNERAL HOMES, Bruce Chapel East 2739 SE Maricamp Rd., Ocala 352-732-9944.

Linda Barton

December 22, 1947 - August 4, 2011