Linda Stoltzfus

The world lost a loving soul and Stanley Steamer lost a loyal customer.  Linda Kay Stoltzfus, 81, passed away on March 10, 2021, with her loving family by her side.  Linda was born on January 29, 1940 in Kansas City Missouri to Lon F. and Lois E. Cossairt.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Carl F. Cossairt and Barbara Dee Bailey, and her husbands, James W. Morris and David S. Stoltzfus.  She is survived by her brother, Darrell Cossairt (Katy), daughter, Deborah Crumpley (Bob), grandchildren, Jake Nelson and Jaime Nelson, great-grandchildren, Jax and Jayde Nelson, her furry family, Maddie, Samson, Rose, Lilly and Daisy, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Linda was the oldest of four children, growing up in Wyandotte County, Kansas.  She married James William Morris who joined the Army.  They traveled extensively in the United States, living on both coasts and in Europe.  Linda was intimately aware of the challenges of being a military wife, living frugally and moving frequently, and the hardships of enduring the absence of a loved one due to tours of duty overseas.  Upon his retirement from the Army, Jim and Linda moved back to Kansas City to be close to family.

Linda worked as a secretary at the Marley Company for many years.  After retirement from Marley, she then worked for the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as a seasonal worker.  This work was her passion as she really enjoyed helping people.  She also worked part time at the Johnson County Election office and as a poll worker.  Earlier in her life she worked as a dental assistant and a teachers’ aide.

Linda loved all animals and was willing to take in any furry friends in need of shelter and a loving home.  During her lifetime she had horses, dogs and cats, and enjoyed feeding the wild birds.  She didn’t even mind if the squirrels ate the bird seed.  This story exemplifies this love and proof of her generous heart.   Her husband Dave was upset because the cat they rescued would not sit on this lap so he decided to go get another cat.  When Linda heard that the cat he brought home was one of the last two of the litter, she demanded he go back and get her sister!  All three cats joined the two dogs they already had and the menagerie set upon determining an uneasy association and pecking order for food and treats.  No pet suffered for lack of love or treats but the carpet did bear the brunt of this generosity.

Linda enjoyed spending time with family and friends, parties and shopping.  She also loved to sing and play the guitar.  She was the fanciest, most stylish, and supremely beautiful lady inside and out.  Her smile and glamour would light up a room.  Linda loved to make those around her feel loved and was selfless in her approach to life.  She would go to great lengths to make you feel comfortable.  Linda was a voracious reader and was proud of her first edition books.  She was a lifelong Chiefs fan and enjoyed watching the games.

Heaven is cleaner today!  Everything is getting dusted and clutter put away.  Projects are getting started and lists being made, lots of lists, too many lists.  Parties are being planned, friends called and flowers planted.  Her baby blue eyes and loving smile are brightening whatever corner of heaven she resides.

Linda was baptized Methodist and attended St. Marks Methodist church in her youth. She loved Jesus and had a tremendous faith in God.  She was deeply grateful for the exceptional care she received from the many compassionate and caring doctors and nurses at both the AdventHealth Cancer Center and AdventHealth Shawnee Mission hospital during her final days.

Linda Stoltzfus was a devoted wife, loving mother, strong sister, amazing aunt, great friend and generous individual.  Her loss has left her family and friends with an extreme void.

Visitation for Linda will be held in the Chapel at the Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS, on Thursday, March 18, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  Memorial services will be held on Friday, March 19, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel followed by a graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to LL Dog Rescue in memory of Linda Kay Stoltzfus.