Linda Ann (Wasinger) Riedel passed away in her home on January 3, 2023.
Linda was born in Hays, KS on September 15, 1947, to Francis “Whitey” and Dorothy (Damico) Wasinger.
She graduated from Marion High School (Hays, KS) in 1965 and went on to attend St. Mary of the Plains College (Dodge City, KS), where she graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, eventually earning a Master’s Degree from Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS).
After graduation, she married Arthur Riedel of Hays, KS on August 25, 1969, but later divorced in 1986.
Linda’s legacy lives on in the character, integrity, and loving hearts of her children and grandchildren to whom she was completely devoted.
Her generosity and compassion encompassed everyone she encountered. As a dedicated English, speech and drama teacher in both Ellis and Eudora, she touched the lives of her students. Throughout the years, many have contacted her as adults to express appreciation of her belief in them, which enabled them to flourish.
Whenever she encountered someone in need, she threw herself into the cause. She spent long days and nights at the bedside of her cousins when they were battling cancer. She approached all she met with the same compassion, often taking the lost and alone under her wing.
While she was generous and giving, she also shared the family traits of a strong will, stubbornness, and outspokenness.
Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren. Her home was filled with their pictures, artwork and activity schedules. She cheered them on and helped guide them through their hard times. She was proud to be their Nana/Grandma and loved them with all her heart.
She is survived by her two sons: John (and wife Lori) of Liberty, MO and Joseph (and wife Marcy) of Shawnee, KS; five grandchildren: Nicholas, Jacob, Reece, Joey and Reagan, two brothers Stephen Wasinger and Tom Wasinger as well as nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Dorothy Wasinger.
She will be greatly missed.
A Visitation will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, January 7th, 2023, with A Celebration of Life to follow at 3 pm. Both will be held at Amos Family Funeral Home at 10901 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS 66203. In addition, a Mass will be held at 10 am on Monday, January 9th, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the “Saint Luke’s Foundation NICU Fund”.