The Life of LINDA MARIE LADD
Linda Marie (Maddy) Ladd, 75, of Des Moines was the daughter of Norma Jean (Mallory) and Marvin Wayne Maddy, born in Knoxville, IA, September 4, 1945. She was the first of four siblings and was the best big sister ever!
Linda overcame many obstacles throughout her lifetime, some life threatening. In the final round, T-cell Lymphoma won out. She joined her beloved son Craig, her parents and a host of family and friends in heaven on Sunday, September 20, 2020, at Mayo Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN with family by her side.
When Linda was seven, the family moved to Des Moines where she graduated from East High School, Class of ‘63. Soon thereafter she was married to Larry Fyfe whose eye she caught while sitting on the front porch, which he would drive by on his way home, just a few blocks south. She was a dark-haired beauty and turned more than a few heads. Their son, Craig, was born 9 months later, followed in four years by the arrival of his brother, Scott.
Linda joined Larry and his parents in their concession business at fairs and carnivals around Iowa, culminating at the Iowa State Fair. For a time they operated Maudie’s Incredible Goodies at Park Fair Mall, where popcorn of many flavors was the highlight of their fare.
Linda took on various sales positions, finally settling into her career in commercial real estate, which she loved, and at which she excelled. She was one of the first two women in her profession in Iowa, and was admired by many for her integrity, her expertise, and her thoughtful, personalized approach. Oftentimes her clients, and sometimes their families, became lifelong friends. She was associated with several agencies, eventually retiring from the Denny Elwell Company. She was awarded the Iowa Realty Commercial Perseverance Award in 1998, Grubb and Ellis Broker of the Year Award in 2002, and the Mid America Group Chairman’s Pacesetter Award in 2008. She was affiliated with the International Council of Shopping Centers, Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association and National Association of Realtors. She served on the Board of the Des Moines East & South Chamber of Commerce, and was Membership Chair of the Greater Eastside Development Group.
When Thanksgiving rolled around, Linda could be found preparing the turkey and mashed potatoes for 25 to 30 grateful family and friends. She enjoyed her 6-foot Rooster, Rudy, tending her flower gardens and maintaining her beautiful home. Oh, and Ben, her ceramic dog, comfortably ensconced by the fireplace. He wasn’t any trouble and only required a little dusting now and then. Her magnetic personality often interfered with her use of technology and all things electronic. We had lots of laughs about that. She looked forward to her weekly meet-ups with her BFFs, and attending the Des Moines Metro Opera. She was always available to help anyone who needed it, and was unfailingly generous and kind.
There was nothing more important to Linda than her sons - Craig, who was tragically lost in an accident at the age of 30, and Scott who has been so helpful and caring during this past year – and her granddaughter Amber, Craig’s daughter, and her great granddaughter Alayna. She had a huge heart with room for almost everyone. Her passing leaves an immense void in many lives.
Left to cherish loving memories of Linda are her son Scott Fyfe of Des Moines, her granddaughter Amber Fyfe and great granddaughter Alayna of Trilby, FL, her sisters Carolyn Danielson of Des Moines, Donna Postma of Grimes, her brother James (Janet) Maddy of Grand Blanc, MI, and many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins, and a bevy of BFFs.
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o In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Iowa PBS, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
o Condolences and memories may be shared, and the full obituary will be found at highlandmemorygardens.com
o Celebration of Life, pending. Private Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, Des Moines.