Linda Ann Klinkowitz Estes

My wonderful, devoted wife, Linda Ann Klinkowitz Estes, passed away on August 18, 2021.  Linda was always a loving, caring mother that encouraged her 3 sons to have a strong educational background, mixed with athletics and of course fun with their friends. She always made time for her children, no matter what else was happening.

Linda came from a deep-rooted heritage that believed in honesty and hard work builds a strong character. She came from a large family with many uncles and aunts and so many cousins located all across the Northeast. Many of whom Linda still stayed in touch with on at least a weekly basis.

Born in Brooklyn and went to high school and college on Long Island, She married and had her first son in NY,  then moved on to Kansas where Son #2 was born and after a few years on to Nashville where she had her 3rd son.  It was then she and her family moved to Fort Mill where she lived for almost 35 years raising 3 sons as a single mother.

Linda is survived by her Husband, David Estes from the home, 3 sons and 6 grandchildren.  Rory Michael Moeller and his wife  Starr Cathleen Moeller from Orlando, FL along with  their son Weston James Moeller, and daughter Charley Starr Moeller; Mark William Moeller and his wife Tiffany Rea Moeller and their daughters, Nora Rea, and Nina Ruth Moeller of Fort Mill: Matthew Robert Moeller and his sons, Logan Mikail and Ethan Samuel Moeller of Fort Mill.

Each son grew up knowing Linda at different times in her life, so it seemed fitting to ask each of them to supply a piece of her obituary. Below are their thoughts and feelings.

“Linda was many things to many people:  daughter, sister, wife, grandmother, cousin, friend.  To me she was Mom.  As a Mom she wasn’t what I would describe as the nurturing type, but her tough love, straight to the point, tell it like it is, get up and go play you’re not bleeding to death way of being somehow taught me more about life than being smothered in hugs ever could.  She showed me what hard work was by working all day at whatever job she had and then coming home to make dinner for me and my brothers, day after day without complaint.  She had a dry sense of humor sprinkled with a healthy heaping of sarcasm and she wasn’t afraid to laugh at herself (or others).  She was fiercely loyal to those she loved and would fight for them to the bitter end, right or wrong.  She was generous to those that she loved, even though she often couldn’t afford to give what she did.  She loved listening to the sounds of the outdoors and loved listening to music while indoors, but regardless of location was often found with a cold beverage in hand.  She wasn’t afraid to speak the truth, because no matter the outcome, at least it was honest.

I am grateful for the time I had with her and for the lessons that she taught me.  I am who I am today because of her.  Words can never capture who Mom was but she will live on forever in my heart and the hearts of all those who loved her.  I love you, Mom.”

“Linda's passion for art, nature, and family will live on through her grandchildren. Linda's love for creativity will shine though with every colorful piece artwork created through her granddaughter’s hands. Every bird chirp, and wave crash upon the shore line. When she learned of her first grandchild Nora she was overwhelmed with excitement. Being blessed with three sons she couldn't wait to experience the affection, and excitement of being a grandmother of a little girl. Upon the arrival of her second granddaughter Nina Ruth she was once again gifted the soft touch, and caring that only a granddaughter could bring. Mark remembers being young and afraid of evening thunder storms, but Linda always encouraged him to face his fears and join her on the front porch to sit and listen to the storm as it rolled through. We will all miss you and you live in through all the heart beats of your family.”

“Fearless Mother of Three Boys which she raised into Three Men. She always sacrificed so her family would have a better life. She made do with what she had and never let her family go wanting.

She was a proud Grandmother to six grandchildren who supplied her with superpowers by mere hugs and kisses which could rejuvenate her for days. Grandchildren could not escape until Grandma was embraced.

She was a fighter to the end who did things the way she wanted when she wanted. She always expressed herself, knew who she was and usually got the last word.

I will miss sitting on the front porch and having conversations, our walks through the yard, your cooking which was always phenomenal, your baking with my boys and your ability to always check in to make sure I was ok. You always said, “One day we will look back and laugh”. I hope you are enjoying that laugh Ma. We all love you.”

Linda had deep family ties, and nothing meant more to her than her love for all of her family and friends.  There will be a hour long visitation period at Palmetto Funeral Home in Fort Mill, SC on Thursday, August 26, 2021 beginning at 6:00 pm followed by a short service at 7:00pm for Linda.

On Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 11:00 am Linda will be interred into her final resting place in the Columbarium at Philadelphia United Methodist Church in Fort Mill, SC.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider a donation to Carolina Blood and Cancer Care in Rock Hill, SC.  This is a small community oriented cancer care facility supporting both Rock Hill, SC and Lancaster, SC. Please make checks payable to CBCCA and mail to 1583 Healthcare Dr. Rock Hill, 20732, be sure to note Linda’s name on the check.