Linda R. Merritt

Linda R. Merritt, 82, of Chanute, Kansas passed away March 29, 2024, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center from complications of pneumonia. She was born December 26, 1941, in Chanute, Kansas, the daughter of Oliver “Boots” Ivins and Marie (Ernzen) Ivins. Linda attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Elementary School, Chanute High School, and Neosho Community College. 

On October 6, 1990, she was united in marriage to Deen Bigelow in Iola, he preceded her in death in 2001. She then was united in marriage to Robert L. Merritt on October 12, 2014. Robert survives of the home.

Linda worked for several businesses in Chanute including Kentucky Fried Chicken, Manley Transport, and retired from Home Savings Bank. She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and participated in many church activities, including serving as director of the Altar Guild. Linda was a very kind, compassionate, loving, generous person. A True Gentlewoman. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. 

Linda is preceded in death by her parents and first husband. 

She is survived by her husband Robert of the home, her brother Doug Ivins, step-children Bill Merritt, Nancy Ahlquist, Sherry Liesemeyer, Larry Bigelow, Theresa Bigelow, Deborah Cowhig, and special friend, Sherry Staggs, two nieces, a nephew, several cousins, and step-grandchildren.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grace Episcopal Chanute and they can be left with or mailed to the funeral home

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wickham Family Funeral Home 500 North Forest Ave. Chanute, Kansas. 

A Celebration of Life funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 209 South Lincoln Ave. Chanute, Kansas. 

Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Chanute, Kansas. 

Services are under the guidance of Wickham Family Funeral Home 500 North Forest Ave. Chanute, KS 66720