Marie Linn

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.