Linda Ellen Lester, 81, of Lawrence, died Friday, February 28, 2025, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. At her request, no public service is planned.
Linda was born on June 11, 1943, in Wichita, KS, to Hiram B. McGee and Mary Ann (Hodges) McGee. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, Ellen and James “Ed” Gregg, from the age of 11. She married Robert M. Lester and graduated from Wichita High School West. They had three children in Wichita and Houston, then moved to Cut-n-Shoot, TX, finally settling in Lawrence in 1978.
Linda and her friend, Linda Chaffin, started The Etc. Shop in 1981 in a 150 square foot building at 14 W. 9th Street. After Chaffin left the business, Linda moved the store to 732 Mass, doubled its size, and then moved to 928 Mass, a three-story building she purchased in 1991. She admired Ruby Mallot, the matriarch of Mallot Hardware, who was instrumental in making downtown what it is today. Linda was dedicated to the Lawrence Downtown Association, and in Ruby’s spirit, advocated for women entrepreneurs.
Although the shop was best known as a hub for Brighton accessories, her lifelong passion was finding, buying, selling, and trading jewelry, antiques, and Christmas paraphernalia, including on Ebay in her later years. She was also devoted to her dogs, who often traveled to the store with her, particularly Max, who became a mascot for the shop.
After Robert retired as an electrician, he worked with her for almost 40 years. Linda loved her employees and customers, and often made suggestions about gifts for their family and friends, who also frequented the shop. After 42 years in business, The Etc. Shop closed in Fall 2023.
She is survived by Robert M. Lester of Lawrence, her children Cyndy E. Lester (Kenn Peters) of Lawrence and Center, CO, and Hugh D. Lester (Ellyn) of Jersey Shore, PA, as well as her sibling, Donald R. McGee of Wichita, KS, and her grandchildren Seth, Kaitlyn, Erin, Dylan, Hayden, and Jake (Kimberli), as well as great-grandchild Walker.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved aunt and uncle, her mother-in-law Betty and father-in-law Mac Lester, four siblings, Della, Joyce, Henry and Bill, her son Eugene E. Lester, and his former spouse Shelly Borland, who was devoted to Robert and Linda in the last years of her life.
The family is very grateful for the comprehensive care provided by her medical team, led by Sharon Soule, MD, over the years, and to the exceptional team at LMH, including Elara Caring hospice, since she was admitted on Tuesday. Linda may have succumbed to cancer, but she stayed true to herself to the very end.
A fitting and lasting tribute to her life and legacy will follow in due time.
She was a great lady and will be missed. My condolences!
Condolesences to Kenn and Cyndy. RIP.
You were such a dear soul and I remember talking to you many times at The Etc. Shop. I loved your store and taste. You will be greatly missed. R.I.P.
How I will miss you Linda Ellen!!! I loved knowing her and considered her a dear friend. I loved all “The Girls.” that worked for her at the Etc. Shop. Linda had the best selection of Brighton and was the consummate sales person. She could always interest you in a Brighton purse! Over the years I got to know Linda quite well, and I enjoyed every conversation I had with her. She talked a lot about her family and her grandkids . Some of the funniest were when she was taking care of “Aunt Ellen” and “Mom Lester “at her home in Lawrence, and the funny stories that arose during their stay with her. I always told her she should have written a book during those years. I want her family to know what a good friend Linda was to me, always, but especially when she knew I had a personal struggle. She was a good friend, and I will miss her greatly.
Sincerely,
Rita McGrew
My heart skipped a beat when I learned of her passing. Such an unforgettable soul. I knew Linda best from her visits to our office every few months. What a class act! She was ALWAYS early, in great spirits, and so easy to laugh with. Not only that, but she carried such a vibe that you wanted to be friends with her. The best part? She was equally as awesome on the inside as stylish as she was on the outside. I made it a point to make sure I worked with her as often as I could. I was also going to share a story with Linda the next time I saw her. In the fall, I purchased jewelry from a lady who first sold her jewelry in the ETC. shop. 🙂 She praised Linda for supporting women. Reading all of these messages one can tell she was one remarkable, selfless individual. <3
Was there ever a bigger smile or warmer spirit than Linda Lester? She represented the best in human beings, positive, intelligent, encouraging, thoughtful, insightful…just so amazing. She was a model for anyone, but especially women who wanted to achieve. She was unwavering in her support. We will miss her light, so much. Godspeed Linda…blessings and love to your family and other friends—I count myself so very lucky to have known you.
Linda has been a dear friend and client of mine for many years. I have groomed her dog Max for many years as well as her mother-in-law’s dog before she died. Linda was always so kind and I had the privilege to pray for her before she passed. She had such a will to live and lived her life with passion. I will miss her greatly!
What an incredible loss for all who knew this sweet angel – no doubt she gained her hard earned wings and a seat next to our redeemer. Linda was an incredible woman, strong & steady, with a laugh that could bring the world together. Even on her busiest day at the shop, she always made time to help you pick out the perfect gift for loved ones. Jeff and I treasure our “Linda” moments where she’d help select the best anniversary gifts – the woman had IMPECCABLE taste. We’ll miss the sweet laugh and the “I love you hug” before leaving the etc. shop. May god bless your family and know that the entire Lawrence community is praying for your healing. Blessings & prayer, Jeff & Callee Holtzman
Heaven has gained a very special lady. I sure enjoyed visiting with her in her lovely Etc. Shop. She always had a smile for you! She will be missed by all who knew her! Keeping the family in my heart, thoughts and prayers!
Linda was the most positive person I have ever had the privilege of having as a friend. Always willing to listen and offer advice if asked. Her sense of humor was as contagious as her broad, beautiful smile. She will be missed by so many people but her legacy will live on. Love you.
Linda was such a loving and caring person both personally and in her sales career. She cared about you, your family, her employees, and also gave back to her community whenever and wherever she could. Linda was missed by many when she closed her Etc Shop. She will be sadly missed by twice as many now. May GOD bless and anoint her and her family with HIS abundant love.
Linda was a good friend and the “perfect sales lady”. I first shopped at her tiny shop. I was a fan and client of hers up to the last day of the Etc. Shop. Her smile was always welcoming. She and Robert established one of Lawrence’s BEST places to shop. She’ll be strongly missed by all who knew her. God got another angel.
I dropped in on Wednesday to tell her goodbye. She was a wonderful person and friend. Loved her family. I will miss her.
The world has lost a ray of sunshine. So sad to hear of Linda’s passing. She was a special person.