Lysinger, Linda Lou September 11, 1950 - February 9, 2022

Attempting to capture the story of someone’s life is the hardest job anyone could ever have. Especially a life as robust and genuine as the one we celebrate today. It is so hard to do justice to Linda Lou’s immense presence in so many people’s lives. It would literally take volumes to cover the breadth of fine details necessary to accurately define and highlight the intimacy of her relationships and devotion to family.  A life that was truly lived for the journey, not the destination.

Linda Lou Lysinger, daughter of Ralph Louis and Magdaline Rose Hammond Gurley, was born September 11, 1950 in Clinton, MO. She passed away February 9, 2022 at Research Hospital in Kansas City, MO.

Linda Lou was the second to oldest of four children and was their only daughter.  She always spoke fondly of her childhood home at the Miller Farm.  In 1963, the family moved into their new home they built on A Hwy.

Linda Lou was an elementary student at Appleton City School and transferred to Lowry City School in 8th grade.  During her high school years, she enjoyed being a cheerleader, member of the Glee Club, Yearbook Editor, Senior Class President, FFA Sweetheart Queen, and Carnival Queen.  Her piano teacher, Mrs. Fern Duzan, and high school music teacher, Mrs. Betty Braithwait, made such an impact on her life and furthered her love for music.  In 1966, she fell in love with John, her high school sweetheart.  She graduated high school in 1968.  Following high school, Linda Lou attended Central Missouri State for one year and earned a secretarial certificate.  She worked for the Federal Aviation Administration in Kansas City for two years before moving back to Clinton with her husband, John.

After John’s return from Vietnam and his military discharge from the Army, Linda Lou and John were united in marriage on October 11, 1970 at Ohio Christian Church with Rev. Clyde Merriman officiating.  They began their life together in Independence and returned to their local roots: Clinton, rural Appleton City, then settled in rural Lowry City to present day.  To this union, three children were born: Julie Ann, Janet Lynn, and Jill Marie.  She was a devoted homemaker and assisted John on their farm daily.  After an encounter in the hog manure pit, Linda Lou decided to work outside the home in Osceola.  She worked at the 4-H extension office in the Courthouse and later with Family and Senior Services in Osceola and Clinton. She retired in 2014.

Linda Lou became a baptized member of the Ohio Christian Church at the age of 9.  She loved the Lord with all her heart.  This dedication was demonstrated through her love of playing the piano and organ for Ohio Christian Church and other local churches.

Linda Lou was passionate about church, music, flowers, and especially her family.  She loved caring for her flowers and making her home colorful with each season.  Linda Lou was often found in the kitchen, fielding requests for some of her specialties for others to enjoy: homemade apple cobbler, chicken and noodles, no bake cookies, chocolate sheet cake, potato bake, and other delicious foods.  Her newly remodeled kitchen made her so happy.  Linda Lou loved spending time with her family and was very proud of her seven grandkids.  She looked forward to the annual Gurley Reunion and the laughter that was guaranteed to happen. Nan was always willing to take on card games, baking projects, sleepovers, and lead other holiday traditions.  She enjoyed attending her grandkids’ activities, supporting her daughters/sons-in-law and neighbors, and being her family’s #1 cheerleader and best friend.

Linda Lou was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ira (Pap) and Mary Mabel Gurley; Hardin and Edna Hammond; by her parents, Ralph and Magdaline Gurley; father and mother-in-law, Jack and Genevieve Lysinger; brother, David Gurley; brother-in-law, Tom Lysinger; sister-in-law, Malinda Lysinger; and niece, Sharon Kay Gurley.

Linda Lou is survived by her husband, John Jr.; daughter, Julie (Joshua) Russell, their children, Mackenize and Miles of Clinton; daughter, Janet (Bill) Green, their children, Kailey and Blake of Bennett, NC; daughter, Jill (Jared) Wareham, their children, Mikah, Rhett, and Sawyer of rural Deepwater.

Linda Lou is also survived by her sister-in-law, Linda Lorene Gurley; two brothers, Lonnie Gurley and Roger (Lisa) Gurley; brothers-in-law, Bill Lysinger and George (Linda Ann) Lysinger; sisters-in-law, Betty Kinney and Cindy Lysinger; many nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.  She will be missed dearly by all.

In closing, Linda Lou shared this reflection on her 70th birthday:

“Life’s journey has been full of twists and turns, mountain top experiences, and even deep, dark valleys.  But, the Lord has been with me every step of the way.  I am forever grateful for His love and care.”