ELKHART – Linda Diane Mitchell, 85, died Oct. 19, 2026 in Amarillo, Texas.

She was born Aug. 3, 1941 to Carl and Velma McClung.

She pursued education with determination, first attending Colorado Women's College in Denver for two years, then spending a year at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. before graduating with her Bachelor of Science degree in business education from Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Okla.

She married Kenny Mitchell Sept. 3, 1961. Their contributions to the community were recognized in 2023 when they were honored as Morton County Pioneers by the Morton County Historical Society.

For more than 20 years, she worked at the Morton County Library, where she shared her love of books and learning. She also served as President of the PEO Sisterhood for five terms.

She began playing the piano and organ at church when she was just 9 years old, and she never stopped. For many years, she served as the music director and a Sunday school teacher at First Christian Church in Elkhart.

She loved her Lord, her church, and her family with equal devotion. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth L. Mitchell; sons, Brian Mitchell and wife, Rosa, Elkhart, and Brent Mitchell and wife, Debra, Kechi; daughter, Kendra Ramsey and husband, Cory, Amarillo, Texas; grandchildren: Jordan Mitchell, Audrey Thomas (John), Dillon Mitchell (Ashleigh), Brandon Mitchell (Hannah), Cameron Mitchell, Jaden Mitchell, Ryan Ramsey (DeAnna), Madison Ramsey, and Luke Ramsey; and great-granddaughter, Everleigh Mitchell. The family extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Alan Keister, the hospice nurses and the entire staff at The Ware who provided compassionate care to Linda during her final illness. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Karen Elkins. 

• Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 at the First Church of God in Elkhart. 

Burial will follow at the Elkhart Cemetery in Elkhart.

Friends may call from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart, with family present from 4 to 7 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund in Elkhart, or to the Morton County Library in Elkhart, in care of Garnand Funeral Home, P.O. Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950.