Linda Gene Ortberg

Linda Gene Ortberg, 74, of Rhome, Texas, passed from this earth on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Linda was born May 3, 1951, to Eugene Henry Torson and Delores Elaine Seaton in West Union, Iowa. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Scott Ortberg, on September 2, 1972, on the family farm in West Union. Their 52 years of marriage were filled with music, deep love, and friendship.

A lifelong learner and passionate educator, Linda earned her Master of Liberal Arts from Dallas Baptist University. She spent many years as a professor at Tarrant County Community College, where she encouraged and uplifted her students with knowledge and kindness.

After retiring from Tarrant County College, Linda continued serving her community as the librarian at the Newark Public Library, where her love of books and people created a warm and welcoming environment for all ages.

Linda was a devoted member of Rhome United Methodist Church, where she spent countless hours supporting the church choir and volunteering in the Vining Garden, a community garden she loved and helped nurture.

A gifted musician, Linda played both the guitar and banjo, spending countless hours creating original songs to share with family and friends. Her creativity, determination, and joyful spirit shone through in everything she did. You could always count on Linda to be singing—music was woven into her soul and was a gift she shared generously with those around her.

To her grandchildren, she was lovingly known as “Gernade,” a playful nickname that perfectly captured her spunky personality and sense of humor.

Linda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her legacy of love, laughter, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Torson and Delores Seaton, and her sister, Frances Allsup.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Scott Ortberg of Rhome; daughters, Michelle Ortberg Hancock and husband Travis of Haslet, and Nichole Ortberg of Newark; her beloved grandchildren, Lacey Ann Hancock, Levi Hancock, and Ryder Ortberg; sisters, Dianna Torson, Kris Grootwassink, and Marilyn Olson; along with extended family and a host of dear friends.