Linda Ellen Oakes passed away on June 3, 2024, in Garden City, Kansas at age 83. Although a long-time beloved resident of Garden City, Linda was born in Paden, Oklahoma on June 24, l940, the third and youngest child of Cecil Everett Oakes, a prominent educator and superintendent of schools in Okemah, OK, and Frances Larson Oakes.
Despite being a University of Oklahoma Sooner at heart, Linda’s Swedish heritage led her to Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. From there, she transferred to Oklahoma City University from which she graduated after earning her teacher’s certification. Linda then followed in her father’s firm footsteps, entering the profession of education in Okemah. One momentous summer, while visiting her maternal Uncle Andrew and Aunt Jean Larson in Garden City, she was invited to apply for an elementary teaching position in USD 457, which she readily accepted. Thus began her life as a proud member of the Garden City community where she lived until her passing.
An entrepreneurial dream enticed Linda away from her successful years of elementary teaching. The remainder of her professional life was dedicated to the hard and rewarding work of shopkeeper, building several of her own small businesses. The Linen Gallery and the Bath House, specializing in kitchen and bath decor, brought beauty and function to many southwest Kansas homes. She rounded out her career with All About Windows, a drapery and window covering design company, which took her on the road from Wichita to Denver and everywhere in between.
Throughout her busy and productive life, Linda found solid ground in her relationship with Christ and in her community of Methodist believers. She was passionate about participating and eventually serving in leadership in the Walk to Emmaus, a discipleship program that equips Christians with confidence and skills to flourish in a fruitful walk with Jesus. Linda was a prime example of the program’s success.
Linda loved her pets, travel, and the many people God put in her path. She was well known in all her endeavors as a faithful friend to many, a diligent worker who followed through on her commitments, and a favorite cousin in her large extended family. Along with her famous sense of humor, her deep faith was evident in the clear and joyful way she joined in hymn singing and agreeable conversation even throughout the dark days of memory loss. She will be greatly missed.
Linda died in her Homestead residence from complications due to dementia and is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Cecil Oakes Jr.; and her sister, Karen Leveridge. She is survived by five nieces and nephews and numerous cousins, including Karin Larson Henkle and Andrew Larson Jr. both of Garden City.
All are invited to her memorial service on Saturday, June 15, at 10:30am at the Presbyterian Church, 1719 Texas Street. The service will be conducted by Reverend Gary Davison of The Faith Community, a Global Methodist Church. She will be interred directly after at Valley View Cemetery with a graveside service. Following the service, please join the family at the Presbyterian Church for a fellowship luncheon.
Memorial offerings in her honor can be given to Faith Community Global Methodist Church in care of Garnand Funeral Home.