Linda (Lin) Lee Fowler, 71, of Fairmont, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 18, 2019, at Fairmont Regional Hospital. She was born in Morgantown, a daughter of Mary Jane Keith and Hayward Lee Kelley.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Kandace Kay Kelley Debiase and former husband, Ronald Wayne Curfman.
Lin was a graduate of Morgantown High School and attended Fairmont State University, studying Safety Engineering. She began her working career as a secretary at West Virginia University, and worked for many years for the U.S. Navy at Pax River, Md. and in Morgantown. She was an editor for the Greene County Messenger and founded a local newspaper, The Country Music Gazette. For the past 20 years she resided at the Avenue Motel, where she was the manager of operations for her dear friends, George and Peggy Yelich.
Since a young age, Lin was driven by her love for music. She played guitar, piano and upright bass fluently, but was most remembered for her singing talent. She was a founder and member of many local bands including, Mountain Magic and The Patriots, who performed at fairs and festivals throughout West Virginia. Lin loved to write music, poetry and short stories. She enjoyed crafting, quilting, knitting and crocheting.
Lin is survived by her only daughter, Kelley Lynn Millione-Stalnaker and finance Casey Johnston; granddaughter, Melinda Lee Millione and fiancé Chris Brooks; granddaughter, Mara Rose Stalnaker; and great-grandsons, Aiden and Coalton, all of Fairmont. She is also survived by her step-father, John L. Hiser; a sister, Karen McCabe; close cousin, Fred Kelley; childhood friend, Terri Davis; Molly, her beloved Maine Coon cat; six nieces and nephews and five great-nieces and nephews.
Lin was an organ donor and was included on the West Virginia University Gift Registry, in the hope that her death could help others.
Lin did not want a traditional funeral or memorial service of any kind. She requested that her family and friends gather for a celebration of her life to share memories, tell stories and listen to her music.
Lin’s Celebration of Life is scheduled at the VFW Post 629, on 802 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont, on Saturday, March 2.
Please email her daughter Kelley, at Kelkelart@gmail.com for details and RSVP.
