Linda Deanne Cracknell Rau, 83, of Eustace, passed away April 25, 2024. Linda was born June 30, 1940, to Cyril and Anne Cracknell of Buffalo, N.Y.  
After Linda graduated from Kenmore Senior High School (1958) she went on to study Early Childhood Education at Buffalo State University. 
After graduating in 1962, she worked for 30+ years as a kindergarten and Pre-1st grade teacher in Medina, N.Y. After retiring in 1996, Russ and Linda moved to Texas to be with their family.
In her free time her community involvement included Kiwanis and library story time. Her hobbies included Singing with the Sweet Adelines, Touching the lives of children, reading stories to children, evening sunsets on their boat, taking care of her family, entertaining her friends, cruising and traveling the world with family and friends.
Linda was recognized by the Distinguished Women of Cedar Creek Lake honoring her commitment to Community work.
Linda met her beloved husband Russell at a Sadie Hawkins dance. They have been married for 61 years. Linda and Russell went on to have two children.
Linda was predeceased by her parents, granddaughter Jamie Lee Fuller and great-grandson Lee Allen Shipp. 
She is survived by her beloved husband, sister Nancy Clough, son Donald (Donna) Rau, daughter Kris (Stephen) Shipp and brother-in-law Robin (Marty) Fletcher, grandchildren Scott (Candice) Rau, Marc (Lindsey) Wielgosz, Erica (Don) Thomas, Shannon (Cody) Parker, Joshua Shipp and Brandon Shipp, great-grandchildren Ava and Lizzy Parker, Kelsy Thomas, Wyatt and Grayson Rau and Nora and Nate Wielgosz, along with cousins, nieces and a nephew.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Breast Cancer Research, Dementia Research Foundation or book donations made in her honor to your local library.
A special thank you to Arcy Hospice, Autumn of Life Caregivers and Dr. Timothy Beste.