Linda Cribbs Huffaker, born November 20, 1946, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, in her home surrounded by family.
Her life was marked by faith, love, hospitality, and beauty.
She grew up in Throckmorton, Texas, where she excelled in academics and leadership. In 1965, she was crowned Miss Throckmorton, named Miss Congeniality, served as Head Cheerleader, and honored as “Most Mannerly.” She graduated 4th in her class with honors that same year.
In 1968, Linda graduated from Texas Tech University’s School of Home Economics in just three years, earning recognition as a Phi Kappa Phi honoree. Known for her skill in the kitchen, she was often the one her Texas Tech professors turned to for testing and perfecting recipes. She carried those talents into her first job as the Lynn County Home Demonstration Agent, where she taught women and students the art of cooking well. Her passion for food later led her to serve as a Home Economics substitute teacher at Tahoka High School.
On December 21, 1968, Linda married Gerald Grady Huffaker, the love of her life. He loved to eat and she loved to cook—though Gerald, too, loved to cook as well. Together, they built a marriage filled with love, hospitality, and good food, which they joyfully shared with family and friends around their table, at the lake, and on the ranch.
Linda also had a gift for creating beautiful spaces. Decorating—and redecorating—was her favorite hobby. Every home she lived in was lovingly transformed into a warm, welcoming place for others to enjoy. She also cherished her time as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant for 26 years, sharing this fun alongside her daughter Christy and later with her granddaughter Madison.
Her devotion to education remained strong. After returning to Texas Tech in 1982 for a teaching certification, she began teaching as a long-term substitute in sixth grade. The following year, she found her true home in third grade, where she taught for 13 years at Tahoka ISD. Her classroom became a place of encouragement and love, and she inspired countless young lives until her retirement in 1996.
Linda’s faith was her foundation. She gave her life to Christ in 1955 when she was saved and baptized, and in 2017 she reaffirmed her faith through baptism at Southcrest Baptist Church. Her walk with Christ showed through her gift of hospitality and her loving acts of service.
She was preceded in death by her father, Harmon Cribbs; her mother, Flo Cribbs; her sister, Juany Shankles Richards; and her husband, Gerald Grady Huffaker. She is survived by her daughters, Tiffany Huffaker Berry of Nashville and Christy Huffaker Bigham of Lubbock. She also leaves behind her sons-in-law, Russ Berry and Rick Bigham Jr.; and her grandchildren, Ridley Berry, Madison Bigham, and Grady Bigham. She will be deeply missed by many cherished friends and extended family.
Visitation will be held at Lakeridge Memorial Chapel in Lubbock on Tuesday, September 16, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock on Wednesday, September 17, at 2:00 p.m. Afterwards, close family and friends are invited to a Dr. Pepper and hors-d’oeuvre (her all-time favorite drink) Happy Hour at the family home, a joyful tribute to Linda’s fun-loving spirit.
The family asks that if you wish to honor Linda’s life, you are welcome to make a donation to these Lubbock organizations: Trinity Christian School, Southcrest Baptist Church Bereavement Fund, or the Southwest Parkinson’s Society.
Family and friends will gather to remember a woman of strong faith, a devoted teacher, a gracious hostess, and a joyful spirit of beauty.
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