Linda Ann Doering, much beloved friend to many and proud mother of Christopher Seth Doering, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026 after a short battle with cancer.

Linda was born on June 6, 1941 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She graduated from Will Rogers high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Linda had several jobs during her lifetime but her greatest and most significant achievement was her dedication to the life of her son, Seth.

Growing up, Linda loved showing dogs and horses. She was also a gifted photographer and painter. She loved sharing these interests with Seth and helping him participate in them with her.

Linda was a fierce advocate for Seth and the rights of people with disabilities. Linda spent her life ensuring that Seth was fully included in all aspects of life, from attending general education classes in high school, singing in the Master Works concerts with the Memorial High School choir, competing in Special Olympics, to participating together in a wide variety of activities after his graduation by taking art and pottery classes, working out at the Center, swimming, taking therapeutic riding classes, and training service dogs.

Many of Linda's friendships are due to her years of volunteering at Therapetics, an organization that trained mobility service dogs. Linda and Seth would come to classes to participate in the training of the dogs. They would also serve as puppy sitters, taking care of the service dogs in training while their handlers had to be away from home. Linda loved taking care of the Therapetics dogs and would put their training to use by helping Seth.

CHamps (Coaches, Handlers, and many paws) is another dog organization that was close to Linda's heart. She would bring Seth to participate on Saturday afternoons. Seth worked with many dogs over the years, which resulted in many new and continued friendships.

To quote Meredith Robertson, a friend of Linda's through Therapetics Service Dogs, "She was one of a kind - strong, outspoken, and always stood up for what was right, but never in a harsh way. Even when she corrected you, it was gentle and came from a place of love."

She is survived by her son Christopher Seth Doering, her cousin Thomas "Cal" Thixton of Chicago, her longtime friend and Seth's co-guardian and former teacher, Janet Bentz Parker, and many friends and neighbors. She is preceded in death by her mother Virginia Anne Williams, her father George Shoenfelt, and her cousin Audrey Thixton.

Linda and Seth are longtime members of Boston Avenue Church and Seth was confirmed as a full member there.

In lieu of flowers, friends may remember Linda with memorial donations to the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges, and the Tulsa Cerebral Palsy Association.

Linda's Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, in Tulsa.

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151