Linda Lou Casto, 71, passed away suddenly of natural causes in Sun City Center on June 29, 2018. She was the youngest of twelve children born to the late Neva and Bovy Casto in Philippi, WV.

She is survived by her two daughters, Debbie Wilson (Scott Smith), and Janis Wilson Hughes (Rob); and two grandchildren, Zeke and Zora Smith. Three brothers survive her, Charles (Wanda) Casto, Keith (Doris) Casto, and Kenny Casto as well as three sisters Vivian Hope Thrasher, Shirley Louk, and Blanche (Richard) McDaniels, and many nieces and nephews. Also remaining are her dogs Remi, Phoebe, and Kenmore. Linda was preceded in death by two sisters Patricia Haller and Deloris Sponaugle as well as three brothers Eugene, Edmund, and Jimmy Casto, and her boyfriend Don Doyle.

Linda graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College where she studied Christian Education and Music. She was active in the United Methodist Church and led youth groups for many years making lasting impacts on many people. Throughout her life she lived in West Virginia, North Carolina, Arizona, and Tennessee before moving to Florida in 1997. In addition to the church she worked in human resources and as a social worker at Plaza West in Sun City Center.

Linda was a vibrant woman filled with love and vitality. She touched countless lives through her dedication to caring for anyone in need from family members, neighbors, and friends to homeless people and animals. She kept care packages with food and toiletries in her car to share with the homeless, rescued dogs, and worked as a dog walker in retirement. She fiercely loved her daughters and helped both overcome major illnesses. Linda was accomplished in sewing from a young age and continued to sew gifts like quilts and baby blankets for friends and family. She took great joy in creativity and was always working on a new project. She loved camping, gardening, visiting the beach, fossil hunting, and relaxing on her porch in warm night air with her dogs next to her and a good book to read.

Linda's smile would light up a room with rays of light and love, and she shared her inner joy constantly with everyone around her. She had a strong faith and expressed her gratitude for even the smallest of God's gifts every day. Linda's life and love touched so many. Her support and strength enabled countless others to thrive and better share their own gifts. She leaves behind a legacy through her example of living a life centered in love, compassion, and joy.

A celebration of life will be held at Sun City Center United Methodist Church at 1210 Del Webb Blvd in Sun City Center, FL on Saturday, July 14 at 3:30PM. Interment will follow in Philippi, WV the last weekend of July (details TBD). In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Linda's name to Critter Mama Rescue (crittermamarescue.org) or the animal rescue of your choice.