In Memorium: Lynda Junk, A Life Dedicated to the Pursuit of Beauty

Lynda riding the giant pumpkin she grew in her vegetable garden

Obituary:

Junk, Lynda
1946 – 2018

On August 8, 2018, surrounded by her loving family at her beautiful home in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, Lynda Junk, age 72, passed over the rainbow and into the embrace of our heavenly Father. She fought a valiant fight with cancer. Lynda was born on June 20, 1946 in Tiffin, Ohio to Paul and Mildred Good. She graduated from London High School in 1964 and on December 5th of that same year, she married David Junk, her soul mate of 53 years. David and Lynda were blessed with 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Lynda earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Hocking College in 2006 and retired from the state of Ohio's Madison Correctional Institution in 2011. Lynda was a life long member of the London First United Methodist church. Lynda is survived by her mother, Mildred "GG"; her husband, David; her children, David (Natasha), and Jill (Tony Jones); her grandchildren, Kenley Eileen Jones, Max Junk, Griffin Jones and Nick Junk; her sister, Joni (Keith McKinley); and many beloved nieces and nephews. Lynda was preceded in death by her father Paul.

One of our favorite children’s books is entitled, Miss Rumphius (ISBN 0-14-0.50539.3).  The narrator tells the story of how her great-aunt, as a little girl, was challenged by her grandfather (an Artist/Woodworker) to “do something to make the world more beautiful.”  We are lucky to have observed Lynda as she did just that.

Rett and I clearly remember the first time we met our dear neighbors, Lynda and Dave.  We had moved into Merry Mount the day before and were out aggressively pulling weeds in preparation to plant perennials that we had transported from our garden on Candlewood Drive.  Lynda and Dave drove up in their Gator with their dogs, Mia and Wolfie in tow.  After a warm introductory handshake and smile, we learned that Rett and Lynda had several things in common, but primarily a great love of birds and flowers. 

Lynda (cradling Mia) and Dave displaying their giant pumpkins

Following Lynda’s encouragement, Rett decided to study to become a “Master Gardener” and with Lynda by her side, Rett signed up for classes presented by the Madison County Extension office with The Ohio State University.

The following paragraph are Rett’s words about Lynda.

“ I am not sure how to describe the loss I feel in Lynda’s passing.  She was such a dear friend and neighbor.  When I feel my grief well up, I also have a memory that comes to make me smile. We had so many fun times and conversations driving to and from London each week for the Master Gardeners meetings.  I thought I was going to just learn more about gardening.  Lynda neglected to tell me I was also joining a “club” of sorts for which I would need to contribute fifty hours of volunteer work.  I am so glad I did though, for not only did I learn a great deal, but made many new friends, especially Lynda.  She taught many things about life and gardening.  One lesson that I love is, when weeding, it is a time to ponder and figure out the problems of the day.  She also corrected me every time I would say ”street” instead of “road” when referring to where we live.  I will miss my dear friend more than I can say.  I will always keep her close to my heart.  I am so blessed and fortunate to have had such a wonderful friend and neighbor.”

Lynda making Rett laugh!

The Junk’s house is surrounded by Lynda’s garden design.  It is a place of beauty invoking peace and serenity: flowering plants and shrubs, fountains, statues, archways, and stone paths that lead viewers to splendor. Her gardens indicate the vision and touch of a Master Gardener.

Lynda, Dave, Griffin, and Katherine

Joy & Eva at one of "Miss Lynda's" fountains

Endymion

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: 
Its lovliness increases; it will never 
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep 
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep 
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing. 
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing 
A flowery band to bind us to the earth, 
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth 
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days, 
Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkn'd ways 
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all, 
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall 
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon, 
Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon 
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils 
With the green world they live in; and clear rills 
That for themselves a cooling covert make 
'Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake, 
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms: 
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms 
We have imagined for the mighty dead; 
An endless fountain of immortal drink, 
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink. 

by John Keats

Dave shared with me the fact that the beauty displayed in a rainbow captivated Lynda.  One of her favorite songs was “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a piece performed at her Celebration of Life service.  I share this photo of a rainbow whose arch ends at the front door of the Junk home.  I posit that Lynda’s spirit, like a hummingbird, continues to hover along the spectrum of light.

Like Miss Rumphius, Lynda did “something to make the world more beautiful,” and her love is “An endless fountain of immortal drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.”

CPW

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