Lin Oatman Townsend

Lin Oatman Townsend, Daughter of Ruth & Ernie Oatman of Versailles, passed away on Aug. 17, 2013 in California. A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at the Versailles Baptist Church with internment to follow in Cliff Hills Cemetery next to her parents. Her death was a shock to us all. She will be missed by her Son, Shawn, and her Grandsons - Nick & Josh, who loved her very much. She will also be missed by her sister Katie and her Family, as well as all her Friends. Lin was a vital part of their lives. Linda Oatman (Lin) graduated in 1956 from Versailles High School. In school she was very active as a cheerleader for the Lions, a band member, and a class leader. Upon graduation she attended Indiana University, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. An excellent musician, she was the President of Tau Beta Sigma, a music sorority. Upon graduation from college Lin accepted a teaching position in California where she was an outstanding educator for more than 40 years. Lin started teaching in K-8 and eventually settled in Junior High where she taught Math and Science. For 15 years she was the President of her Teachers Union, negotiating contracts, serving on numerous committees on everything from curriculum development to building a new school. In the 1980's she obtained her Master's Degree in Administration from Pepperdine University. She became a Principal of a 1-8 Academy and adult school program. Throughout her teaching career she taught in an area which was predominately Hispanic speaking. She often said working with at risk Kids in an area of gang culture was a long way from cruising the square in Versailles. She excelled - receiving the California Teachers Association "We honor ours" leadership award as well as multiple awards for being recognized as a "Woman Leader" in Los Angeles County. Lin lived most of her life in West Covina, California. In the early 70's she married Jerry Townsend which ended in divorce but produced her son, and two grandsons who were the joy of her life. Despite her "California dreaming," her heart and favorite place for vacation was back in Versailles. She came back each summer as she would often lament to "get grounded once again in good mid west values."