Linda Helen Swift Reeder, Prolific Kentucky Author, Dies at 94

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Linda Helen Swift Reeder, a lifelong Kentucky resident who had a successful career as both an educator and prolific author, has passed away at the age of 94. Reeder was born in Calloway County in 1931 and went on to teach in public schools across three states before retiring in 1987 to focus full-time on her writing, publishing over two dozen books of historical and contemporary fiction, short stories, and poetry.

Why it matters

Reeder's life story reflects the changing times and experiences of many Kentuckians in the 20th century, from her rural upbringing to her extensive travels due to her husband's work. As an educator and writer, she left a lasting impact on her local community and beyond through her dedication to teaching and her prolific literary output.

The details

After graduating high school in Oran, Missouri, Reeder returned to Paducah, Kentucky, where she met and married her husband Robert in 1950. Over the following decades, the couple lived in several states and countries due to Robert's work, but Reeder maintained strong ties to Kentucky, working as a teacher, counselor, and psychometrist in public schools in three different states before retiring to become a full-time writer in 1987.

• Reeder was born on May 12, 1931 in Calloway County, Kentucky.
• She moved to Paducah in 1941 and graduated from Oran High School in Missouri in 1945.
• Reeder married her husband Robert in 1950 in Paducah.
• She began her teaching career and continued working in education until retiring in 1987.
• Reeder passed away in 2026 at the age of 94.

What’s next

Private family graveside services will be held at Mt. Kenton Cemetery with Rick Reeder officiating.