Linda Murray

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Linda Sue Murray, age 72, a longtime resident of Carthage, Missouri and Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away on Saturday February 8, 2014, at the Journey Home Hospice House in Bartlesville, Oklahoma following a courageous battle with MS and cancer.

Linda was born on July 25, 1941 in Galena, Kansas., the daughter of the late Clint and Betty (Wooten) Schell. She grew up in Carthage, Missouri and graduated from Carthage High School in 1959. She married in 1959 and was a devoted mom to her two children, David and Shelly. Over the years, she was employed at State Farm, Tri-State Motor Transit and Consolidated Freighters. She was also a member of the Eastern Stars. After caring for her own mother, Betty Jo Schell Ketchum, who passed away in 1998, Linda moved to Bartlesville in 2001 to be close to her daughter and grandchildren whom she adored. She was an active member of the East Cross United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. For as long as anyone can remember, Linda was an avid Kansas City Chiefs' fan who cheered on her team every Sunday, often with the help of her children and grandchildren. She was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and was never without a smile and helping hand for anyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by one daughter, Shelly Buhlinger, and her husband Scott, of Bartlesville; a granddaughter, Anna Buhlinger of Bartlesville; a grandson, Luke Buhlinger of Norman; one brother, Russell Schell of Florida; a sister-in-law, Pansy Schell, of Alba, Mo.; an aunt, Amy Lou Prime and her husband Richard Prime, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She waspreceded in death by a brother, Ricky Clinton Schell; her parents; a step-father, Leonard Ketchum; and most recently, her son, David C. Murray who passed away in 2008.

The family will receive friends from 1–2 p.m. Thursday, February 13 at Mason-Wooodard Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Goss Cemetery near Phelps, Mo. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, at East Cross United Methodist Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Linda to the Journey Home Hospice House located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Checks should be made out to the Project Home Foundation, in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory in Joplin, Mo.