Linda C. Smurr
Linda C. Smurr, 68, passed
away Friday (Sept. 5, 2008) at Newton Medical Center in Newton. She will be
greatly missed by her friends and family. Linda was born on April 25, 1940, in
Kansas City, Mo., where she grew up, married, and had two daughters. Linda's
musical talent manifested itself very early, and she became known for her voice
and piano skills. In the 1960s, Linda performed and toured as a folk singer,
opening at the legendary Gate of Horn nightclub in Chicago. Linda moved to
Newton in 1973 after marrying her second husband, Michael Smurr. In Newton,
Linda had her third daughter and became very active in the local theater scene,
performing in numerous productions of the Newton Community Theater, including
'The Princess and the Pea,' which turned as a production for the Children's
Musical Theatre, and a revised version of 'Windwagon Smith' for the Wichita
River Festival.
Linda was heavily involved in
the Chisholm Trail Festival and the Sand Creek Folk Life Festival for many
years. She compiled and edited the Newton History Book and worked part time for
several years at the Harvey County Historical Museum.
Linda was a soloist, organist
and pianist at several different churches in Newton, and she was a longtime
member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Survivors include daughters,
Robin and Erik Brizendine of Bay Point, Calif., Dania and Randi Bruner of North
Kansas City, Mo., and Kelly and Don Wedd of Newton; mother, Lenora Olive
(Cranfill) Reppeto of Kansas City, Mo.; second husband, Mike Smurr of Newton;
first husband, Paul King of Kansas City, Mo.; and seven grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by
her father, Carl Franklin Reppeto, and a sister, Clara Josephine McKay.
An informal memorial
gathering will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Alcoholics Anonymous
Clubhouse, 221 S.E. 14th St. in Newton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Alcoholics
Anonymous in care of Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, which is in charge of
arrangements.
