Linda Sue Sutton-Garver died on March 19, 2026 from complications of double pneumonia and Influenza A.

Linda was born in Durand, Michigan on May 25, 1955 to parents Marion and Mary (Parks) Sutton. She graduated from Byron High School in 1973 and went on to gain a Bachelor of Arts degree from Grand Valley State Colleges in 1977, and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Arizona in 1982.

Linda’s professional life began in nursing home administration in Escanaba, Michigan. In Escanaba she met her husband Larry Garver in 1983, when she was the unwitting winner of a blind date contest at radio station WDBC where Larry worked. Linda and Larry married on July 20, 1985, and settled in Grand Rapids Michigan, where Linda gave birth to daughter Dana Garver on August 31, 1988. Linda’s career transitioned to rehabilitation consulting, doing medical care planning to help disabled workers live a dignified life after workplace accidents and injury. She retired from rehab consulting in 2013 due to fibromyalgia pain and other health concerns.

Linda had many beloved pets over the years including dogs (Jake, Riley), cats (Muggins, Antonio) and a Senegal parrot (Stevie). She played softball and golf in her youth and was a life-long fan of the Detroit Tigers baseball team. Linda loved music (especially the blues) and enjoyed attending live concert performances. Linda loved her family, and got special joy in the final years of her life loving her granddaughter, Murphy.

Linda is survived by her husband Larry Garver, daughter Dana (Garver) Fox, son-in-law Joel Fox and granddaughter Murphy Fox. Surviving siblings are brothers David Sutton and John Sutton, and sisters Patty (Sutton) Warren, Julie (Sutton) Besselo, and Lucy (Sutton) Hensley. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Linda’s ashes have been returned to the earth at the Aldersgate Memorial Garden of the Pines. There will not be a traditional funeral. In lieu of flowers, etc., please consider a donation to Plan International, a charitable organization that Linda supported in her life through sponsorship of children in need (www.planusa.org), or Planned Parenthood (www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/).