Linda Trumpf Benninghoff

Mrs. Linda Trumpf Benninghoff, age 67, passed away peacefully at her home on September 28, 2016. Linda was born in Wichita Falls, TX, on January 13, 1949, to Walter and Mavis Trumpf, and graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1967, where she was renowned in the community for her soprano singing voice. She met her husband, Hank, while working in Dallas, TX, and they were married in 1972. Linda and Hank have resided in the Topside Community in Knoxville, TN, since 1975. In life, Linda was most proud of her husband, Hank, a retired engineer with the Tennessee Valley Authority; her daughter, Abby, an associate professor at Utah State University; her daughter, Karen, a senior director with Marriott International; her grandson, Tanner, an Eagle Scout and currently a freshman at the University of Maryland; and her grandson, Ryan, currently a sophomore at North Hagerstown High School in Maryland. Linda strongly believed in service to her community. She served in numerous leadership roles and as president of her daughters' parent teachers associations at Mount Olive Elementary School and South-Doyle Middle School from 1980 to 1990. She was a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of America and volunteered with the organization since the time her children were in Brownies through their high school years. She was a troop leader, regional council member, Chair of the Tanasi Girl Scout Council, and served as Executive Director of the Tanasi Girl Scout Council for several years, now known as the Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians. Linda's impact on scouting and as a role model to young women in the Knoxville community was so immense that she received the highest honor that an adult in Girl Scouting can receive – the Thanks Badge, which recognizes an individual whose commitment, leadership, and service had an exceptional, measurable impact on the Girl Scout movement. She was a phenomenal seamstress and quilter and loved to crochet, sew, knit, quilt, and stitch needlepoint. Linda was most generous in providing gifts of her beautiful work to family, friends, and her community. She lovingly stitched the needlework for the wedding kneeler, among others, at the bequest of Church Street United Methodist Church. As Linda courageously fought her battle with cancer over the last few years, she chose to spend that time also making the most of her talents by giving back, and her last gift is the donation of crocheted baby blankets and handmade quilts made for Children's Hospital. Whether cheering on her daughters' alma mater the University of Tennessee Volunteers or driving on the Cherohala Skyway to see the stunning fall colors, Linda always found the best in life and embraced the beauty and spirit of Tennessee. She loved to travel with her family throughout the Smoky Mountains, as well as on adventures with her husband from the Northwest corner of our beautiful country to her home in Tennessee. She was most happy when surrounded by family who always knew a delicious meal would be their bonus for every visit. Linda continuously provided for the needs of others as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, neighbor, seamstress, quilter, and friend and will truly be missed by all. Linda was preceded in death by her father, Walter Ernest Trumpf; mother, Mavis Holcomb Trumpf; and sister, Mary Anne Trumpf Stout. She is survived by her loving husband, Henry (Hank) Norman Benninghoff, Jr., of Knoxville, TN; daughter, Abby Diane Benninghoff, of Wellsville, UT; daughter, Karen Benninghoff Barnett; son-in-law, Cliff Edward Barnett; and grandsons, Tanner Blake Barnett and Ryan Scott Barnett, all of Hagerstown, MD; sister, Nora Trumpf Story, of Highland Village, TX; and brother, Walter (Buddy) Ernest Trumpf, Jr., of Wichita Falls, TX. The family of Linda wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the doctors and staff at the Cancer Institute at The University of Tennessee Medical Center and University Family Physicians for their care, as well as their many friends, neighbors, and community members for their prayers. A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, October 9th, at 2:00 p.m., in the chapel at Church Street United Methodist Church, in Knoxville, TN. Receiving of friends will follow the chapel service. In honor of Linda and her service to others, memorial donations may be made to East Tennessee Children's Hospital, 2018 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916. Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com. - Her forever loving husband.

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Linda Trumpf Benninghoff

January 13, 1949 - September 28, 2016