Linda Lipscomb Ronquillo

Linda Lipscomb Ronquillo, of Independence, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the age of 73, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 18, 1952, to the late Jerome H. and Shirley Ray Toups Lipscomb. Linda shared her childhood in New Orleans with her seven siblings, with whom she always shared a special bond. She attended St. Francis Cabrini Catholic School and Mount Carmel Academy, Loyola University for her undergraduate, and Southeastern Louisiana University for her Master’s Plus 30 in Elementary Education. Ms. Ronquillo, as so many families knew her, shared her wisdom, kindness, and compassion with hundreds of children over her more than 31 years in the classroom; most of which was spent at her beloved Loranger Elementary School. And yes, when she saw her former students, she recognized and remembered each and every one. Linda poured her whole heart into the children and families of her community from the moment she chose to call Loranger home.

She retired from the Tangipahoa School System in 2007 to pursue her greatest passion: being a Grammy. She was there for every moment, every memory, and every milestone for her grandchildren with unconditional love and support. That was the accomplishment she was most proud of. Her impressive teaching career and genuine love for her students and their families were only secondary to the love she had for the ones she called her own. Linda lived by the truth of Harold B. Lee’s words, “The most important of the Lord's work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home”.

Linda is survived by: 

Her devoted partner of more than 40 years, Angelo J. “Sonny” Costa, Jr., who was her rock and loved her with his whole heart. Her treasured daughter and best friend, Emily Rae Ronquillo Gautreau. Her son-in-law, Titan Gautreau, whom she shared such a special bond with and loved, cherished, and trusted as if he had always been her own. Her beloved stepdaughters and sons-in-law, who brought her so much joy: Rebecca Costa Chapotel and husband, David; Summer Costa Cannizaro and husband, Lee.

Her grandchildren, who were the light of her life and made her so proud: Lorelei, Phoebe, Corbin, and Matilda Gautreau; Parker and Taylor Chapotel; Laney and Gavin Roberts; Codi and Zak Cannizaro.

Her devoted siblings whose love and support have been constant: Thomas Lipscomb and wife, Kyna; Elizabeth L. Heintz and husband, Douglas; Richard Lipscomb and wife, Darla; Robert Lipscomb; Clayton Lipscomb and wife, Lisa; Jean L. Paciera and husband, John; Amy L. Morel and husband, Matthew. Sisters-in-law, Elena Ronquillo and Cherie Carson, Karen Ronquillo, Raenelle Ronquillo, and Janet Costa Quarles. She also had 18 nieces and nephews, whom she always held close to her heart.

Linda was preceded in death by: 

Her dear husband, Russ Ronquillo, whom we know welcomed her to Heaven with his trademark grin and bright blue eyes. Her loving parents, Jerome H. and Shirley Ray Toups Lipscomb; Mothers-in-law, Rita O. Leblanc and Mary Campise Costa; Fathers-in-law, Louis Ronquillo and Angelo J. Costa, Sr.; Sister-in-law, Marianne B. Lipscomb; Brothers-in-law, Allan Ronquillo, Sr. and Raymond Costa; Nephew, Christopher Matthew Morel; Niece, Eva Leblanc; Her dearest buddy, Barbara P. Swink.

If she shared her love with you, your children, or grandchildren, her family requests that you pass that love on to future generations. Sing the songs from her classroom, read the books she loved with the children in your life, and tell her favorite stories so that her love for our next generation will live on.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home - Hammond, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 7:30 am until 10:30 am.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 55720 Hwy 445, Husser, Louisiana 70442 on Friday at 11:00 am, with Father Reuben Dykes officiating.

Inurnment will follow at St. Dominic Catholic Church Cemetery in Husser, Louisiana.