Linda Diane Troxell

Linda Diane (Sensibaugh) Troxell, 72, of Shirley, IN unexpectedly left us on Sunday, July 14, 2024, due to complications from a bacterial infection.

A lifelong Hoosier resident, Linda was born on November 27, 1951, in Warsaw, IN to Harold and Midge (Nine) Sensibaugh. She graduated from Manchester High School in 1970 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Manchester College in 1974 where she majored in art with an endorsement in education.

Linda married Terry Troxell on August 17, 1974, at Petersime Chapel at Manchester College. They would have celebrated their 50th anniversary this year. They raised two sons: Tony Troxell (wife Lizz) of Indianapolis and Andy Troxell (wife Tracy) of McCordsville, IN. The pride Linda had for her sons was immeasurable. That pride extended to her grandchildren: Jacen, Ben, and Kat who knew her as Grammy.
She is survived by her sisters Nancy Sensibaugh of Anderson, IN and Judy (husband Kim) Boyer of St. Maries, ID along with her brother Jerry Sensibaugh of Ft. Wayne, IN. She was preceded in death by both parents and a younger brother - Larry Sensibaugh.

Linda was a competitive person in countless ways starting from playing childhood board games to keeping first seat clarinet in the high school band to achieving scouting honors no other female had earned. If she sensed that someone felt she couldn’t succeed, she became more determined to prove them wrong. And frequently did! A guiding principle for her was “we can make it happen.”

This competiveness extended into one of the greatest wishes Linda had - to own a horse. Almost from the moment she rode the ponies at the fairground, she wanted a horse. She tried to coax her granddad to buy one for his farm. But no go, it wouldn’t make money. Eventually, her dreams came true. She found Captain. Together they would compete, becoming more and more the team to beat. In 1989, Linda and her beloved Cap achieved the honor of the first Saddlebred to be named an Indiana Supreme Champion in American Saddlebred Country Pleasure. She had come a long way from the kiddie ride at the fair!
Also, Linda was much more interested in outdoor work rather than housework. Mowing, camping, biking were preferred over dusting, vacuuming, baking. She said she was not “Becky Home-mecky.” Yet, her beef stroganoff and cheeseballs were legendary in her family. Her interest in the outdoors extended to her love for Scouting. She served in myriad capacities in Scouting: managing summer camps at Kikthawenund; providing educational seminars for leaders; organizing cross over ceremonies with American Indian elements; chaperoning some of the first girls in the troop; hosting campouts at her country home. Her enthusiasm, knowledge, and creativity were talents that touched dozens of young people who fondly remember her even into their adult years.

As special as Linda was to those scouts she encountered, she is more precious to her family. She strived to provide happy experiences, especially for her grandkids. Simple activities like berrypicking, snowsledding, gingerbread house making became part of visiting Grammy and Grandpa’s place. Special events like swim parties and vacations to Michigan, Chicago, Las Vegas, and the Smoky Mountains became unforgettable treasures.

For all of us who knew her, whether briefly or for a long time, Linda will remain one of the cherished parts of our lives. Our world has changed forever. We miss the world we lost.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 22, 2024 at Geist Christian Church, 8550 Mud Creek Rd. Indianapolis, IN with Ryan Hazen officiating. Burial will follow at Gravel Lawn Cemetery in Fortville. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at Geist Christian Church, Mud Creek Campus on Monday. Memorial contributions can be made to Troop 686 at Geist Christian Church, Mud Creek Campus. You may express condolences or share a memory of Linda at www.ballardandsons.com .