Linda Saueressig

Linda Kay Lightle was born on August 15, 1944, in Chillicothe, Missouri, to parents Gale and Ruth (Garber) Lightle. She was humbly raised near Hale, Missouri, alongside siblings Mary, Sue, and Corky (Gale Jr.) on their family farm. Linda attended Tina-Avalon Schools throughout her youth and graduated from Tina-Avalon High School in 1962.

Linda moved to Kansas City, Missouri, shortly after high school and welcomed the energy and pace of city living. She began working at Hallmark Cards in 1963. During that time, she met Joseph 'Smithy' Walter, a teacher at Central Middle School. They were married in 1967. In 1968, they welcomed their first son, Kevin, and soon after, they moved to Ottawa, Kansas, where they had their second son, Keith, in 1972. While her children were young, Linda was a homemaker. When her boys began school, she worked various administrative jobs in Ottawa. She and Joe built a house south of Ottawa and raised their children on a small farmstead until his passing in 1987.

After Joe’s passing, Linda moved to Ottawa and was fortunate to be surrounded by a loving circle of friends who supported her and connected with her sons, becoming some of the closest friends of her life. Sunday night card games with the Welton’s and the Cartmill’s became a weekly highlight for Linda, and her sons and granddaughters enjoyed joining in as often they could.

After her children were grown, Linda enjoyed traveling with her sister Mary and their mutual friends. They visited numerous places including Hawaii and the Caribbean, as well as many other bus tours and trips. She visited her family regularly, attending several family and class reunions, and other events in Missouri. In her later years, Linda frequented her sons’ homes for lengthy visits to spend time with her three granddaughters.

In 1992, Linda married Gary Saueressig from Burlington, Kansas. They loved taking trips together, spending time with family, going to dinner with friends like the Hooper’s, and antiquing. Gary preceded Linda in death in 1997.

Linda’s professional career was shaped by her farm upbringing and a deep appreciation for agriculture. She began working at the Ottawa Co-op in 1984 and quickly became a well-known, friendly face to farmers throughout the area. After retiring from the Co-op in 1999, she continued working in various administrative roles, ultimately serving as the Farm Bureau County Secretary beginning in 2000. In that role, Linda especially enjoyed visiting local schools, where she shared facts about agriculture and led hands-on, farm-based activities with children. She fully retired in 2014.

After retirement, Linda focused on church activities, caring for her beloved cats, and completely embracing the grandma life. Although she only had three granddaughters, she was affectionately referred to as “Grandma La-La” by many other children as well. Linda spent countless hours on the road, driving to birthday parties, Christmas programs, ballgames, school pickup, and so many other events in support of her sons and grandchildren. As she slowed down, her granddaughters came to her house often, where she taught them various cooking and baking skills, crochet basics, and more! However, one of Grandma and the girls’ absolute favorite activities was having tea parties together—stuffed animal guests and all! Sadly, Linda’s final years were marked with the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease, cutting short her ability to continue making those precious memories.

Linda passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, at Sunflower Care Home in Baldwin City, Kansas. She lived a full life, and she will be missed deeply by her sons, Keith (Lurenda) and Kevin; her granddaughters Jenna, Lena, and Mackenzie; extended and adopted family; and many friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Alzheimer's Association c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.

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