Linda Lue Gilliam

Linda Lue Gilliam, 84, of Hulbert, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at The Courtyards at the Ambassador in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Linda was born on September 27, 1941, in San Angelo, Texas, to Fred A. and Wilma Elain DeLashaw. She spent her early years traveling the world with her family to various Air Force bases, later graduating high school in Bossier City, Louisiana. In 1960, Linda married Joseph A. Varano, Sr. in Fort Worth, Texas. Years later, she found love again and married Ralph E. Gilliam in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1983. Together, Linda and Ralph shared 40 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Linda lived a full and dynamic life, calling many places home throughout the years — including Texas, Oklahoma, Japan, England, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Panama, and Morrison, among others. She was a hardworking and independent woman. From 1962 to 1974, she was self-employed with Reliable Electric Company. She later worked for Safeway Warehouse in Tulsa from 1974 to 1986 before returning to self- employment with Florida Little Wheels Golf Carts, Inc. from 1986 to 2004. Linda and Ralph shared a passion for the open road, traveling across the United States and Canada on their Honda Gold Wing trike. She was an active member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) and proudly served as group president for several years. Linda kept the group lively with weekly rides on scenic two-lane Florida roads, always planning the perfect lunch stop along the way. Her motto was simple and joyful — “We ride to eat and eat to ride.” She also led charitable rides, including a successful annual toy donation event that brought smiles to many children. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Fred A. and Wilma Elain DeLashaw; her sister, Sandra Sue Warden; her son-in-law, Ronald D. Hudson; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Sue Hudson; son Joseph A Varano Jr; step children Brandy A & Trent Gilliam; grandchildren Rhonda Fordyce, Ronald Hudson, Jason Hudson, Jessica Lynn Meeks, Joseph Anthony Varano III, Nathan Varano; and numerous other relatives and friends who will forever cherish her memory. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Serenity Funeral Home, 4170 E. Admiral Place, Tulsa, Oklahoma, with Chaplain Roy Betz officiating. Visitation will be held the same day from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow the service at 1675 N. Lynn Lane Road, Catoosa, Oklahoma 74114. Linda will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Ralph, at Fort Gibson National Cemetery. Linda’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and adventure — a reminder to live fully, cherish the journey, and never pass up a good meal along the way.

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Linda Lue Gilliam

September 27, 1941 - November 1, 2025