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Linda O’Hara, 80

Linda Sue Bizzell O'Hara, 80, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on March 26, 2025 in her home, surrounded by her family. Linda was born August 20, 1944 in Elk City, Oklahoma, to her parents, Suzanne Gray and Weldon Dwain Bizzell. She graduated from Canute High School in 1962 as valedictorian of her class. She married the love of her life, Paul Edward O'Hara, on August 1, 1962. They enjoyed 50 years of wedded bliss until Paul passed away in 2012.
Paul and Linda made their first home in Weatherford, Oklahoma, while Paul was in pharmacy school, then moved to Hugoton, Kansas, to open Paul's Pharmacy and build a beautiful life for their family. In 1993 they moved to Garden City, Kansas, where in addition to teaching full time, she helped preserve their 1890's historic home, getting it listed on the National Register of Historic Places, while providing care for her aging mother.
In 2004 Paul and Linda moved to Beloit, Kansas, and chose to live in another historic home. As she did in each new place, Linda found many ways to serve her community as a beloved teacher, youth CCD leader, community theatre coordinator, church organist, Eucharistic minister, and countless other volunteer roles. She was elected president of her garden clubs and historical societies, and was a dedicated member of ladies guilds, altar societies, American Legion Auxiliaries, and many other church and civic organizations.
Linda had a passion for education. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma Panhandle State University on May 22, 1970, and then a Master of Science in Secondary Education from Fort Hays State University on July 27, 1984. During her 35+ year teaching career, Linda taught hundreds of students high school math and science at Hugoton, Holcomb and Beloit schools. She was honored as Teacher of the Year in 1997.
Her faith was deep. She was an active member of St. Helen's, St. Mary's, and St. John the Baptist Catholic Churches in Hugoton, Garden City, and Beloit, and a regular participant in services with both Ascension Catholic Church and St. Andrew Christian Church after moving to Overland Park.
The only thing Linda loved more than teaching and serving her community was her family. Her greatest joys in life came from being a wife, mom, and Nana to her four children, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. She is known lovingly as the "special occasion card queen" because she faithfully sent cards for every birthday and anniversary. People in her life felt truly special to Linda.
Carrying on Linda's legacy are her daughter-in-law, Angie (Matt) Richardson of Stillwater, Oklahoma; daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Jim Kreps of Overland Park; son and daughter-in-law, Dustin and Michelle O'Hara of Summerville, Georgia; daughter and son-in-law, Annett and Jeff McCullough of Mapleton, Illinois; grandchildren, Tyler (Crystal) O'Hara and Haylee (Harley) O'Hara Contreras of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Morgan (TJ) Erickson, Jami (Allan) Naranjo, and Jordan (Cole) Chambers of Overland Park, Kansas, Braden (Anslee) O'Hara, Keegan (Kamryn) O'Hara, and Chloe O'Hara, all of Georgia, Aiden and Ian McCullough of Mapleton, Illinois; brother, Robert Bizzell of Houston, Texas; sister-in-law, MaryAnn (Richard) Wynne of Temecula, California; brother-in-law, Pat (Laura) O'Hara of Edmond, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Robert O'Hara of Elk City, Oklahoma; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, as well as her great-grandchildren and other beloved family members and friends.
Linda is preceded in death by her husband, Paul Edward O'Hara; her son, Rodney Stephen O'Hara; as well as her parents, Suzanne and Dwain Bizzell; her brother, Jerry Bizzell; sister-in-law, Donna Bizzell; and sister-in-law, Jimi Lou Birch O'Hara.
Preserving history was important to Linda. She loved old things, quilts made from scraps of old clothes, and old photographs of loved ones. She and Paul chose to live in and improve two lovely, historic homes during their lives. Linda was president of the Mitchell County Historical Society when they finally raised enough money to get a building and expand their offering of historic, educational programs. In her honor, O'Hara Memorial contributions may be made to the Mitchell County Historical Society.
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Monday, March 31, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Beloit, Kansas, with Father Andrew Rockers officiating. A rosary at 9:30 AM will precede the mass and interment will follow at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Beloit.
Services are entrusted to the care of Roberts Family Funeral Service.
Condolences may be left at www.robertsfamilyfs.com

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Beloit, KS 67420, USA