Linda Johnson

Linda Johnson, 69, of Blue Rapids, KS, passed away March 21, 2013, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Visitation was Sunday, March 24, from 1 to 8 p.m., at Faith Hall at the United Presbyterian Church in Blue Rapids. The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 25, at the United Presbyterian Church, Blue Rapids. Rev. Marilyn Sweet, Gary Phillips and Alice King officiated. The musicians were Jan Pope, Skip and Sally McMillen. Music included “Precious Lord Take My Hand” and “Softly and Tenderly.” The pallbearers were Jim Fry, Jim King, Jerry Ewing, Ken Georg, Roger Edwards and Marvin Horalek. The honorary pallbearers were Steve Morton, Virgil Uphold, Francis Harland and Richard Tommer. Burial was in the Frankfort City Cemetery. Linda was born February 27, 1944 at Marysville, KS, daughter of Cerry and Ila (Smith) Williams. At the age of three the family moved from Irving to the Smith family farm near Bigelow. She went all eight years at the Bigelow School. In 1962, she graduated from Frankfort High School. In 1963, she married the love of her life, Ken Johnson. They lived in Manhattan for 4 years then were transferred to Kansas City, KS, for three years. The family moved to Blue Rapids in 1970. Linda worked for Rich’s Floor Service and from 1978-79 ran the Sands Restaurant with friends, Jim and Alice King. In 1982, she was hired as a Special Education paraprofessional at Valley Heights. She enjoyed working with the students, and seeing them succeed was a great reward. After 20 years at Valley Heights, she retired in 2002. Christmas was her favorite time of year. She had a tradition for years making candy with her mother and preparing plates to give to family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cerry and Ila Williams. Survivors include her husband, Ken; sons, Roger and Ron, both of Manhattan; sister and brother-in-law, Martha and David Wade, Headland, AL; sister-in-law, Alice Johnson, Frankfort; nephew, Michael Durden, Los Angeles, CA; Terry Hale, Frankfort; and nieces, Connie Picolet, Frankfort, Jeannie Blake, Clay Center, Diane Wagner, Wichita; and many cousins. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Presbyterian Church or Meadowlark Hospice. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, Marysville. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Linda Johnson, please visit our flower store.