In Remembrance Of
Linda Bodenhausen
Linda Kay was born November 17, 1946, to Alfred Leo and Frances Lucille Ottinger.
Linda grew up in Gower and graduated from Gower High School. She was united in marriage to Vance Gayle Bodenhausen August 23, 1964. Their 59 years of marriage was blessed with love, faith, family, friends, and life on the farm in rural Gower.
Linda was a member of the Gower Christian Church, where she shared her extraordinary musical talent with the church and community. She served the church for 59 years as organist and choir director. Her energy and creativity in arranging special music to celebrate Christmas, Easter and weekly worship services was widely recognized and appreciated. Among her most impactful contributions was establishing the Living Last Supper dramatic reflection on communion that became the centerpiece of the annual Maundy Thursday service.
Few events happened in Gower without Linda providing the music. She played piano or organ music for hundreds of weddings, funerals, graduation ceremonies and she led choral presentations to bring memorable entertainment to numerous special occasions. She had a special zeal for performing patriotic, gospel and ragtime music.
Linda was an insurance agent and served as Business Manager of Farmer’s Mutual Insurance Company of Clinton County for 31 years. She had wide-ranging interests and was an avid collector of teddy bears, nutcrackers, milk bottles, medicine bottles, old sheet music, and historical women’s hats. She shared her interests with many groups and was especially close to her circle of friends in Beta Sigma Phi. We are grateful that Linda was a photographer and scrapbooker, leaving us with keepsakes that spark memories of special times and places.
Linda’s biggest joy was her family, especially participating in the activities of her seven grandchildren – to whom she is known as Grammy. She enjoyed family trips all over the U.S. and Canada in the 1970s and ‘80s. In more recent years, Linda enjoyed cheering for the Kansas City Royals and taking road trips with Vance to watch major league baseball games and tour Presidential Museums.
Linda is survived by her husband, Vance; son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Kerry Bodenhausen, Springfield, Mo.; daughter and son-in-law Brooke and Bob Renton, Weatherby Lake, Mo.; son Brent Bodenhausen of Gower; seven grandchildren, Michael Bodenhausen, Luke Renton, Nathan Renton, and Blair, Beck, Kel, and Kali Bodenhausen; Linda’s brother and sister-in-law Bill and Ruth Ottinger, Van Buren, Ark.; several nieces, nephews, sisters- and brothers-in-law, other relatives, and many friends.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Lucille Ottinger.
Linda’s last years were difficult as she bravely faced the health effects and steady decline of Alzheimer’s. The loving care and steadfast commitment of Vance made it possible for Linda to remain at home and rest in peace. The family wishes to thank the angelic caregivers of Home Instead and Freudenthal Healthcare for their respectful, conscientious, and loving care. Linda’s special friendship with Shirley Rowland was an immense blessing and source of comfort.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 26 at the Gower Christian Church AFC Building, 203 S. 3rd Street, Gower, Mo. The funeral service will be at 11:00 on Saturday, January 27 at the Gower Christian Church AFC. Burial will be at Allen Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Hixson-Klein Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gower Christian Church or the Heart of America Alzheimer’s Association, 8001 Conser, Suite 240, Overland
The service will be live streamed at: https://youtube.com/live/ut0UUJjqX40?feature=share
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Comments & condolences
15 comments
Marsha Jane Daniels Arzberger
Hello, Vance. We spoke at Morgan Walkup’s wedding. Sending you and your family my sincere sympathies.
Ron and Joyce Slayden
We are both so sorry for your loss. Linda was a great lady. Alway happy to see us and always a big smile on her face. I know your whole family will miss her.
Kathy Miller & Ron miller
Thoughts & prayers to the family.
Peg Bradley
What a beautiful tribute to a very beautiful lady! Her presence will be felt forever!
A. Jean (Kilgore) Cravens
I am so sorry to hear of Linda’s passing, and I am sending my heartfelt sympathy to your whole family. I remember Linda well with her big smile and bubbly personality. She was a very special lady!
Fran and John Hixson
We are greatly saddened by Linda’s passing. Our entire family extends our heartfelt sympathy. We all take great pleasure considering how frequently Leo, Lucille, Linda, and Bill appear in our own family photos.
Sincerely,
Hixson’s
Mike & Jo Roady
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Ruth Logan
I met Linda when our children were in Ms Lena’s preschool together. She always had such a pleasant smile! My family enjoyed her music and quick wit on many occasions. She will be missed and I send my deepest sympathy to her family.
John and Gwen Kemper
Please know how sorry we are for the loss of Linda. She was a wonderful friend. Such a talent!
Buddy Bibb
Such a special person, enjoyed so much all the years at the MAMIC conventions her piano playing was amazing, my condolences to the family.
jeannie bodenhausen
To Vance and Family-we are so very sad at Linda’s passing-I’m so glad that even though our times together were brief they were memorable. Linda was such a LIGHT, so welcoming, always cheerful and that bright smile! I’m sure these past few years have been so very hard on your family-I am thankful Linda is at peace and THAT can bring some comfort. Sending much love from the California cousins..
Jeremy Helton
She was a super nice lady of whom I will have fond memories. My thoughts are with the family.
David Lee Maag
Prayers for the family, know Linda will be missed.
Eric Bodenhausen
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bodenhausen family. I have so many memories of Linda and the times I spent not only at their home in Gower but also at her office when she worked in Plattsburg. She will always have a special place in my heart and will be greatly missed.
Dorothy Boyer Jarman
I gave many happy memories of time spent with Linda from grade school through high school. She was very talented musically and it was always a joy to hear her play. My deepest sympathies to Vance and family.