ARLINDA BETH CARVER RUSHING, 75, of Abilene, TX,
passed away on Aug. 31, 2018 in her home, with
burial in Elmwood Memorial Park at Abilene.
Lin, as she was lovingly known, was born in Ranger,
TX to Arlie & Virginia Hall (RHS-1932) Carver on
April 4, 1943. Lin traveled and attended various
schools including Ranger High School in the Class of
1961 before graduating from Abilene High School (with
classmate and future husband Larry Rushing). Arlinda
attended & graduated from McMurry University shortly
thereafter and soon began teaching.
Although she loved teaching, the urge to enter the
business world was stronger. Lin started her business
"Lin's Sportswear" in 1970. Lin brought to Abilene style
& the first ski wear store in the Big Country....and Lin
sold effortlessly. As her business grew and her reputation
for honesty and not sugarcoating the facts, Lin developed
a customer base that can only be described as an extended
family. In Jan. of 1973, Lin married Larry Rushing. That
union began an amazing partnership that lead the couple to
open multiple retail locations in the great city of Abilene
which eventually culminated in the Lin's and Larry's Plaza
on South 14th. Through her charisma and business savvy, Lin
was quick to capture the attention and hearts of so many
Abilenians. Lin's and Larry's was fast a household name and
Lin herself became an icon in the community. Through her
example and mentoring, Lin's daughter, Stacey, began her
own successful retail business. Lin was active locally for
many causes and eventually became the President of the
Abilene Woman's Club twice. Lin delighted herself with her
grandchildren, swimming often and eventually rescuing the
love of her life, a poodle she so aptly named "Buddy". Lin
was a member of the Ranger Exes Association.
Lin was preceded in death by her father Arlie Carver, her
mother Virginia Carver, and her brother Don Carver (RHS-
1957).
Lin is survived by her husband Larry Rushing, her brother
John Carver (RHS-1954), her daughter Stacey Staggs Magovern
& husband Michael, her step-daughters Laura Rushing and
LeAnn Ratliff, & her grandchildren: Bret Alexander Clinton,
Rachel Lauren Ratliff, Kaden Patrick Ward and Ryan Thomas
Ratliff.