Robbie Link left this earthly life on July 17, 2015, after a long illness. Born Robbie Nell Tays on September 25, 1930 in Killen, Alabama, she was the second daughter of five children. Robbie was raised in the rural life of hard work and good food, organized around activities at the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ. Robbie graduated from Rogersville High School in 1948 and attended Florence State Teachers college. In the early 1950s, she left her small town, along with some girlfriends, to take a position with the United States Air Force in our nation’s capital. These courageous young women embarked on a new life of smart dresses, hats, high heels and white gloves. While on this great adventure, she met the love of her life, John Link, whom she married in 1953. In the following years, she was a homemaker, in the truest and best sense of the word. John and Robbie spent most of their lives in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area raising their four children.
At heart, Robbie was a homebody who loved providing a safe and welcoming place for family and friends. An exceptional cook in the southern tradition, her corn bread stuffing and apple crisp were legendary. This gentle and genteel southern woman leaves behind a legacy of love, where the Golden Rule and her frequent admonishment to her children – if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all – guide our hearts and lives. A lifelong, devoted member of the Church of Christ, Robbie lived her faith daily and was a lovely example of Christian devotion to all who knew her. She will be sorely missed.
Robbie was preceded in death by her dear husband, John Link and beloved grandson, Christopher Link. She is survived by her children: daughter Michelle M. Bernstein and husband Buddy of Florence, AL; daughter Melinda Link Ogle and husband Hal of Chicago, IL; son John S. Link and wife Ruthe Angela, of Fort Wayne, IN; and son Thomas S. Link and wife Marsha of Fort Wayne, IN. Also surviving are grandchildren Beth Dunning and husband Craig, Meg Lyman, Peter Kokinakis, Sean Ogle and Travis Ogle; Rachel Kannady and husband Geoff Kannady, Claire Coleman and husband Jason Coleman, Gabriel Morris, Ruth Bernstein and Celeste Morris; Nick Link, Faith Link and Jesse Link; Abby Link, Ben Link and Hannah Link, and great grandchildren, Dexter Dunning, Andrew Dunning, Alex Dunning, Amanda Dunning, Mia Lyman, Anna Kannady, Jonas Kannady, Melissa Kannady, Lillian Kannady, Georgia Kannady, and Oliver Link.
Robbie is also survived by her siblings, Ruth Alexander (her husband Leon of blessed memory); Ann Clemmons and husband Ike; Don Tays and wife Judy; Philip Tays and wife Sharon. Surviving to cherish Robbie’s memory are also many, many friends in Fort Wayne, Indiana and in Florence Alabama. The family especially wishes to extend gratitude and love to friends Jim and Barbara Kinsey of Fort Wayne, and Russell and Betty Wardlaw of Florence.
Memorials in memory of Robbie’s beloved grandson Christopher Link are appreciated. Muscular Dystrophy Association of Northern Indiana, Attn: Chris Link Annual Memorial Golf Outing, 2869 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825.
Visitation will be Saturday, July 25, 2015, at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ, 3700 County Road 33, Killen, AL, from 10 AM to 12 PM. Funeral services will follow at 12 PM with Bro. Brad Adcock officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Elkins Funeral Home is assisting the family.
You are invited to visit the on-line registry at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com and leave condolences.
