Linda Ellen Taulman

RICHMOND, Ind. - Linda Ellen Taulman, age 57, of Madison passed away on August 31, 2015. She fought a valiant six year battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Ambassador Healthcare in Centerville, Indiana had been her home for the past two years. Linda was born on a hot, sunny August 2, 1958 day. She was the fourth child born to Lawrence and Dorothy (Watson) Taulman. She graduated from Southwestern High School in 1976 where she played on the girls basketball and volleyball teams. Go Rebels! Upon graduation, Linda attended Ball State University where she majored in criminal justice. Go Cardinals! Linda was a proud member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. Upon her return to Madison, Linda lived at the family farm just off Chicken Run Road. She worked as a nanny for many years with some great children. Also, she worked for the Madison Jefferson County Public Library, the Madison Jefferson County Humane Society, and Clifty Falls State Park Inn. Linda was diagnosed with ALS in 2009. She was so proud to have been a participant in an eighteen month drug trial with Dr. Robert Pascuzzi at the ALS Clinic in Indianapolis. She always believed that if the drug didn’t help her it may help the next person diagnosed with the disease. Thank you Dr. Pascuzzi for all of your research and compassion. Linda was of the American Baptist faith, and attended First Baptist Church in Madison. She volunteered for the Humane Society, the Historic Madison Candlelight Tour of Homes, and driving animals to spay/neuter clinics. While her health permitted, she worked the polls for elections in Jefferson County. She felt that it was every person’s civic duty to vote. Linda had many joys in life. Some of her favorites were: reading a good book, walking her dogs, playing with her cats, and raising chickens. She was a huge college basketball fan; March Madness was her favorite time of year, and she loved pro football. Linda is survived by her siblings: Nancy (Bill) Wilson of Madison, Indiana; Kenneth (Linda) Taulman of Lafayette, Indiana; Brenda (Fritz) Peacock of Battle Ground, Indiana; and Mary Margaret (Phillip) Hawk of Lexington, Indiana. She is survived by her nephews: Dustin, Christopher, Evan, Alexander, and Samuel; nieces: Vanessa, Valarie, Lindsay, and Ellen; and great-nephews: Lincoln and Wyatt. Linda is preceded in death by her parents and her fiancé and best friend, Trey Cooper. The family wants to thank the many doctors, nurses, and medical staff who took care of Linda over the years. They are: St. Elizabeth Hospital, St Vincent Hospital, Seton Specialty Hospital, Methodist Hospital, and Ambassador Healthcare. Also, we want to thank Linda’s grade school friend, Marta Yount Smith. You were such a blessing to Linda during her long illness. And much thanks to all who prayed, sent cards, called, and/or visited Linda. Your love and concern meant so much to Linda. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Linda’s life in the near future. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you give a donation in Linda’s name to Pets Alive NonProfit Spay/Neuter Clinic, 2444 South Walnut Street, Bloomington, IN 47401 or Mrs. Jean Peddie’s classroom at Southwestern High School, Central Office, 239 Main Street, Hanover, IN 47243. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Linda Ellen Taulman

August 2, 1958 - August 31, 2015