Linda Hanks

Linda Louise Seastrand Hanks, a loving wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, friend, and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, passed away in her sleep on February 14, 2025, after a seven-year battle with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. She died surrounded by loved ones, hearing words of love and comfort until the end.

Linda was born on January 14, 1949 in Provo, UT to Gareth and Dorothy Seastrand. She was the oldest of 6 children. It was fitting that she passed away on Valentine's Day, as she had endless love and support to give to those around her. Linda was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and spent much of her life worshipping and serving in various church callings. She especially loved serving in the temple, which she did as long as physically possible, up until weeks before her passing.

Linda's genuinely positive personality allowed her to make life-long friends wherever she went. Known for her infectious laugh, she brought joy to every gathering and left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Her Christ-like compassion was characterized by her unwavering dedication to loving and uplifting those in need. She was a friend to the friendless and embodied the selfless love that Christ demonstrated throughout His life.

On February 10, 1972, Linda married John Hanks in the Salt Lake City Temple. Throughout their 53-year marriage, Linda made great sacrifices and overcame significant obstacles to build and maintain a loving home environment, creating cherished memories and a place for her children to thrive and grow. They lived in Provo, UT, Idaho Falls, ID, Centerville, UT, Annandale, VA, Alexandria, VA, Upper Marlboro, MD, Henderson, NV, and South Jordan, UT. She always "bloomed where she was planted" and had a profound effect on those around her.

Linda loved children, as evidenced by the two fulfilling careers that bookended her adult life. First as an elementary school teacher and later in life as a children's librarian. Linda always had time to read a story to a child, whether to one of her many grandchildren or at the library, for one of her beloved Story Times.

Linda earned her Bachelor's of Elementary Education from Brigham Young University in 1970 and her Master's of Library Sciences from the University of North Texas In 2006. She had a passion for learning new things, no matter the subject.

Her life was a symphony of melodies, as she was surrounded by music and shared her passion as a piano teacher, church pianist, choir member, and later, an enthusiastic cellist. Music was always in her home, and she passed on her love of music to her children.

Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 at 60 years old. She faced her battle with cancer with courage and grace, serving as an inspiration to all who witnessed her strength. Her treatments resulted in the cancer going into remission.

In 2018, the cancer returned as Linda was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in her bones. Despite her illness, Linda's indomitable spirit shone brightly, as she continued to serve and uplift others, leaving a legacy of love, resilience and service. She moved from Henderson back to Utah in 2019, where she spent her final 7 years giving as much of herself to others as possible.

Linda spent her final weeks surrounded by countless family members and friends who flocked to her side, and spent her final days and hours surrounded by her loving husband and her 5 living children, who will miss her dearly.

Linda's legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who carry forward her lessons of compassion, generosity, and unwavering faith. Linda is survived by her husband (John Hanks), children [John "JD" Hanks (Stacy), Kristin Torres (David), Melanie Carter (John), Matt Hanks (Jennifer), and Alissa Davis (Craig)]mother (Dorothy Seastrand), and siblings (Gary Seastrand, Mark Seastrand, Marilee Novak, Ken Seastrand, and John Seastrand), as well as 19 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father (Gareth Seastrand) and infant daughter (Robin Elizabeth Hanks). In her final days, Linda mentioned many times her excitement to be reunited with Robin after 43 years.

In lieu of a viewing, there will be a social gathering for family and friends on Thursday, February 20 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, at the LDS Highland Park 8th Ward, 11632 S Night Heron Rd., South Jordan, UT 84009.

There wil be an open house Friday, February 21, 2025, 10-10:45 a.m. at the Highland Park 8th Ward.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11:00 am at the LDS Highland Park 8th Ward, 11632 S Night Heron Rd., South Jordan, UT 84009, followed by burial services at 1:00 pm at American Fork Cemetery (26 W 600 N, American Fork, UT 84003).