Linda Gail Rhea

Linda G. Schneider Rhea of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, to Robert H. and Mary Frances Schneider on May 11, 1945, she was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend, and a cherished member of her community.

Linda was a proud graduate of DuPont Manual High School in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1963. She continued her education at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art. She later graduated from Spalding University (formerly Spalding College) in Louisville with a master’s degree in education and completed coursework toward a doctorate (ABD) at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.

Linda dedicated her career to education, teaching in both Kentucky and Florida school systems. Later, she brought her expertise to the Florida Department of Education. She was known for her ability to inspire a love of learning.

Outside of work, Linda found immense joy in quilting and cherished the time spent connecting with her dear friends, her "Georgetown gals," from college. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and the local Women's Club. Linda also passionately engaged with the performing arts community through her involvement with the Wakulla Community Theater in Sopchoppy, Florida, where her favorite role was Bloody Mary in the musical South Pacific. Her warm spirit and giving nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Family Linda is survived by her loving children: Carrie Rhea, Chase Hamilton (Elayne Carringer-Hamilton), Sam Rhea (Cheri Lipman), and Euthelda Frances (Franci) Hamilton Nixon (John R. Nixon). She leaves behind her grandchildren, Cailyn Fisherman (Michelle), Jessica Nixon, Lauren Nixon McCullough (Dustin), and Matthew Nixon (Pauli Nixon Valencia), and her great-grandchildren, James, Wyatt, Romina, Jayden, and Dahlia. She is also survived by her sister, Bobbie Jo Schneider and her brother-in-law, Melvin Schafer, nephew, Robert Schafer (Rhonda), and his children, Lucas, Sammi, and Penny; as well as her cousins, Alyson Griffith and Andrew Pearce (Jill) and family and many other loving friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert H. and Mary Frances Schneider, her husband, Richard L. Rhea, and her sister Sharon Schafer.

A celebration of life will be held at Shangri-la-tee-da (Linda's House) on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 11am-3pm. The family invites all who knew Linda to join them in honoring her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Georgetown College, Hosparus of Kentuckiana or one of the organizations mentioned in her hobbies section, such as the Wakulla Community Theater.

PARTY ON!