Marie Linn
August 17, 1937 - November 28, 2021
Marie R. Linn, 84, died Sunday
(November 28, 2021) at Paramount Community Living in Newton, Kansas.
She was born on August 17, 1937 in
Newton, KS, the daughter of Harold and Christine Mellin Hayes. Marie
grew up in a family of six children of which she was the only girl
and second youngest.
Her family was active in The Church of
God of the Firstborn and was very musical. They traveled across the
U.S. in a trailer, providing a music ministry for the church. Her
father was the music director and each of the kids played an
instrument and sang. Marie played the piano by ear. She lived in
several places including North Dakota, Minnesota, Kansas and Texas.
Being on the road, she didn’t have a traditional childhood, for
example, she didn’t have a bike until after her kids had bikes.
She also didn’t graduate from high school but did get a GED as an
adult.
Marie was married in 1958 to Lester
Eugene Linn, and they were divorced in 1983. She had five children,
four boys and one girl. When the kids were young, she babysat other
kids, she also worked at several companies including Phillips and
Boese market. She retired after 20+ years of service from
Coleman/Evcon.
When her kids were growing-up she
enjoyed watching various sporting events and activities. This
tradition was reestablished when grandkids and great grandkids came
along. No wallflower, it wasn’t difficult to determine who she was
cheering for. Her biggest passion in life was her family. She loved
spending time with family at reunions, family gatherings and sporting
events. She was usually the first one there and the last to leave.
Marie never met a stranger. She loved
a good garage sale, a bargain, taking walks, bike rides, hanging out
with the grandkids/great grandkids and being part of her church
family. She particularly enjoyed being part of the choir. Singing
made her happy and she generously spread the sunshine around,
sometimes with a little too much enthusiasm. Her faith in the word
of God was reinforced when she was diagnosed with cancer in 1978.
While undergoing treatment she befriended a nurse that referenced
Philippians 4 (6-7), trusting in God through prayer. These passages
remained a guidepost for the rest of her life.
Survivors include her children Ron Linn
and wife Sheryl of Lenexa, KS, Craig Linn and wife Pam of McPherson,
KS, Carla Sullivan and husband Bobby of Louisville, KY, Jeff Linn of
Newton, KS., Chris Linn and wife Peggy of Newton, KS.; her brother
Philip Hayes his wife Teresa of Oklahoma City, OK.; 14 grandchildren;
and 28 great grandchildren plus one on the way.
Marie is preceded in death by her
parents; brothers Howard Hayes, Harold Hayes, David Hayes and Dan
Hayes; and her granddaughter Alyssa Linn.
Memorial services will be held at 11:30
A.M., Friday (December 3, 2021) at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in
Newton. Private inurnment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.
A memorial fund has been established
with Compassionate Friends – Harvey County Chapter. Contributions
may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial
Funeral Home, Newton, Ks.