Linda S. Gaut (Hunt), 64, of Chittenango, passed away peacefully July 30, 2022, in the company of her loving family and with her loyal pup, Jojo, by her side in the home where they all grew together.
Linda was born on April 12, 1958, in Syracuse, to Arthur Hunt and his beloved Edith Hunt (Culver), both predeceased.
On Oct. 23, 1976, Linda married the love of her life, Ricky L. Gaut—soon to be Ricky L. Gaut, “Sr.” A short drive west down the interstate I-90 and the newlyweds would find themselves in Niagara Falls, then dubbed the Honeymoon Capital of the World.
The following year, Linda and Rick would begin raising the first of their three “prides and joys,” Ricky, Jr. A brother, Michael and a sister, Jennifer, would come to follow. Each would be born nearly three years apart.
Linda was an accomplished and devoted mother, daughter, wife, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She dedicated her life to being the greatest mother that any child could dream of, and she was an indispensable administrator for her husband’s businesses in both commercial and residential contracting (R.L. Gaut).
On top of that, Linda had gainful employment at a former USPS Remote Encoding Center, and she built lifelong friendships working for 11 years and becoming a supervisor at Madison County’s Department of Social Services (DSS), where her eldest son, Ricky, carries on her legacy today as groundskeeper. Linda retired from Madison County DSS in 2015.
Above all else, Linda cherished her role as “Mema” to her loving grandchildren. Her young ones were her greatest gift given and received. Nothing was more precious to her than her grandkids, and nothing brought her more joy than a sleepover with a big bowl of ice cream and “A Dog’s Journey” on DVD. When they couldn’t be together in person, they used FaceTime to keep close-by. “I love you,” Linda would say to her grandkids. Each and every call ended the same way. “I love you more, Mema.”
Before falling ill Linda and Rick traveled the country with Linda’s sister and brother-in-law, Bootsie and Nick Jones. They took in Nashville and all the sights, sounds and history of the country music Rick had introduced to Linda in their youth. The spirits of those sounds rode with them all the way west to their many desired hotspots such as Sturgis and Mount Rushmore. The family is grateful Linda and Rick had these experiences together while Linda was able and well.
Linda is predeceased by her sister, Patricia Liberatore (née Hunt), of Florida. She is survived by her husband of 45 glorious years, Rick Gaut Sr., their three beautiful children and their spouses, Ricky L. Gaut, Jr., and Katelin Helmer-Gaut of Verona, N.Y., Michael A. Gaut and Kelly Gaut (Richards) of Syracuse, and Jennifer L. Carroll (née Gaut) and Derek Carroll of Victor, N.Y.; grandchildren Niccolena (15) and Trey (9) to Ricky/Katelin; Carter (12) and Savannah (8) to Jennifer/Derek.
Linda is survived, too, by a multitude of siblings, including sister Edith (Bootsie) Jones of Northern Virginia, and sisters Sandra Williams, Kathy McCarthy, Diane Perry, and Cheryl Meeks of Central New York; brothers Arthur Jr. (Art), Richard (Rick), Gregory (Greg) and Timothy (Tim), each of CNY residence.
A very special thank you is bestowed upon the staff of Upstate Hematology Oncology in Oneida, N.Y., and to the Upstate Radiation Oncology Oneida staff, too, and all medical center staff and personnel at Oneida Hospital. Each day, each week, each visit, Linda fought proudly with you by her side.
Visiting hours will be held at the G.F. Zimmer Funeral Home, 702 Chittenango, on Friday, Aug. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. A graveside service will be provided on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. and presided over by a family chosen minister. It is here Linda’s ashes will be placed in her final resting bench, where she will one day be reunited with her husband in Union Cemetery at 3717 Welsh Church Road in Erieville, N.Y. Linda will be eulogized by her children at the cemetery funeral service, and you are all welcome and encouraged to attend. In the event of rain, an overhead tent is provided.
