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Wisely, Linda, 63, went to be with the Lord Jan. 22, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tues., with services 10:00 a.m. Wed., both at Hillside West, 2929 W. 13th St. north. Interment will follow at Kansas Veteran's Cemetery, Winfield. She was born to Clarence and Bettie Hart Gamber on Apr. 15, 1947 in Sedalia, MO. The family moved to Wichita in 1959, and Linda graduated from North High School in 1965. She enjoyed a monthly luncheon with the ladies of her graduating class, loved gospel music, spending time with her family and friends, and was an avid KU basketball fan. She is survived by her longtime companion Robert Fisher, twin sons Donald and Ronald Finney, their younger brother Stephen Finney, stepchildren Shana Wisely and Jeannie Martin. She also leaves behind a sister Carolyn (Sam) Noin of San Antonio, TX; a brother Leon (Jan) Gamber of Wichita, ten grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many loved nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by parents and grandson David Calhoun. Memorials: Harry Hynes Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. www.hillsidefuneralhomewest.com.
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Betty Rhodes (Hartman)
Your Redskin Sisters will miss you Linda.
Cynthia L Keith (Owens)
I connected with Linda (after 45 years!) on Facebook in about May, 2010. I didn't know her well in school-but she was my North '65 classmate, we were Redskin Sisters. When we became FB "friends" I learned she had cancer and was undergoing chemo therapy. Linda was a Christian and with all that she was going through, her posts on FB were positive and encouraging. She always shared her faith. She had a peace knowing where she was going--Heaven.
She was looking forward to going to our 45th reunion in October 2010, but as the time grew closer, she was too sick to go. In November, she was able to attend the first North '65 Redskin Sisters Breakfast and loved seeing and visiting with classmates. In December, she stopped all chemo therapy and her Doctor called in Hospice. She knew she didn't have much time left. The Doctor told her she probably had 4-6 weeks. Linda planned and had all her arrangements made.
In December, she was too sick to come to our Christmas Ornament Exchange. She was so disappointed, and really wanted to keep getting together with classmates as long as she could. Marsha Nelson Carr and I took her to lunch one day around Christmas. It was a good time visiting with her. In January, we had a Coffee for Linda. There were several North '65 classmates who came. Linda loved it, even though at that time she was very sick. I drove her to the Coffee and when I dropped her off at her house afterwards, she said, "If we could, I'd sure like to get together with classmates again-but I have a feeling...." She didn't finish the sentence, but we both knew that would probably be the last time we would be with Linda down here.
There were so many classmates who sent her cards, emails and posted on her FB page. She really appreciated all the prayers and loved hearing from her classmates!
Marsha Lynn Nelson (Carr)
I didn't know Linda in high school -- we met on FaceBook when we were trying to get all our classmates connected prior to the 45th reunion. When I first "friended" her, I realized that she had a very strong relationship with Jesus. She had mentioned that she had liver cancer and that she knew her time was short -- BUT, she was ready to go "home".
Linda had a strong faith! Her battles inspired me to try to do more with my own life -- with what I've been given. She planned her own funeral down to the songs, etc. That must have taken unbelievable strength to do that. I'm amazed at her resilience; and I was also touched by how many people who didn't know her well were present at her funeral....to honor Linda.
Cynthia and I were blessed by her presence and by her testimony. I hope I can be that strong when it's my turn.