It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Linda Jolene Saathoff of Louisburg, KS. Linda, 70, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on March 6, 2023, after months of suffering from ALS. Linda was a loving & dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. Those who knew Linda know that she always cared selflessly for others. She was loving and kind to all those that she met and never went a day without a beautiful smile on her face. Even in her last days Linda’s smile brightened the room and the day of everyone she saw.

Linda was born August 15, 1952 to Leonard and Kathryn (Hake) Reiter in Beloit, KS, where she grew up with her 3 older brothers; Gary, Larry, and Ron. She attended St. John’s Catholic School graduating in 1970, making many lifelong friends and memories. After graduating high school, Linda attended NCK Technical College in Beloit, KS to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She graduated in 1972 and started her career in nursing, which she continued throughout her life.

Linda met her husband Lynn in 1973 in Beloit, where they married on May 25th, 1974 and moved to rural Oketo, KS. During this time, Linda was a nurse at the Beatrice, NE Hospital and spent many days learning and working on her in-law’s farm on the state line of Nebraska and Kansas. In 1977 Linda and Lynn welcomed there first child, Christopher; followed very closely by their daughter Shawna in 1978. Linda was a loving wife and mother to her family. She always put others’ needs in front of her own, teaching her children the importance of kindness, generosity, and love. Throughout the course of her life, Linda and Lynn had homes in Marysville, KS; Brewster, KS; and Valley Falls, KS, where they spent the last 35 years. Valley Falls became a welcoming home for the Saathoff family in the fall of 1987, where Linda was a nurse at the Valley Falls Medical Clinic from 1988 through 2014. Linda and Lynn raised their children in the Valley Falls community, never missing a game, concert, or school event. She was a constant figure in the community, whether as a nurse, a parent, or a volunteer.

Linda loved to cook and was constantly taking care of others through her cooking. She was the first to volunteer to host events, always bringing a dish to church or school events, supporting her community, family, friends, and those in need. In 2008, Linda was blessed to become a grandmother for the first time. She spent much time taking care of and loving her six grandchildren. When they were young, she loved reading to them and playing games. When she was healthy, she never missed a special event or celebration, often traveling to Florida and Kansas City to be there with them. Linda’s Christian faith was evident in everything she did throughout her life. It was demonstrated everyday through the way she physically cared for people, prayed for those in need, and volunteered in her church and community. After retiring from Valley Falls Medical Clinic in 2014, Linda spent much of her time helping at Countryside Christian Church, where she and Lynn were members. She would run the clothes closet or help by cooking and serving at church events. Linda has made a difference in so many ways throughout her time on earth. We are all very blessed to have known her and loved her.

Linda is survived by her husband of almost 49 years, Lynn Saathoff. Her children: son, Christopher (Jaclynn) Saathoff and daughter, Shawna (David) Cartwright. Her grandchildren, Deegan, Delaney, and Lincoln Saathoff; Calla, Bailey, and Maclain Cartwright. Her brothers Ron (Marcia) Reiter; Larry (Connie) Reiter; sister-in-law Bev Reiter Her mother-in-law, Lois Saathoff; brother-in-law Kevin (April) Saathoff; sister-in-law Sandra (Thom) Bartz; sister-in-law Karen McCoy; sister-in-law Melissa Saathoff. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family & friends. She was predeceased by: her parents, Leonard and Kathryn (Hake) Reiter; her brother Gary Reiter; and her father-in-law William Saathoff.

The Celebration of Linda’s Life will be held on Friday, April 7th, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Countryside Christian Church (3635 KS-4, Topeka, KS 66617) with a remembrance and thank you gathering to follow from 5:00 to 6:30PM. Friends and family welcome.

We would ask that all of those that have a memory or story of Linda’s life provide a brief paragraph or two in the comments, or send messages to Linda’s daughter, Shawna to be added to a memory book, smcartwright@gmail.com with the subject – Celebrating Linda’s Life.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made in the name of Linda Saathoff to the ALS Association, Olathe Health Hospice or Countryside Christian Church in Topeka, KS. Donations can also be contributed to the family through their Ever-Loved website. Any donations received through the Ever-Loved site or directly by the family will be divided and donated to the ALS Association, Olathe Health Hospice, and Countryside Christian Church. Ever-Loved Linda Saathoff - https://everloved.com/life-of/linda-saathoff/ Additionally, cards, letters and donations can be sent to Lynn Saathoff at 1331 Villa Lane, Louisburg, KS 66053