Linda Marie Garretson Leising, 54, died on Oct. 9, 2002, in Stillwater, Okla. She was born on July 27, 1948, to William A. and Bessie E. Garretson of Smith Center, Kan.
She attended Jacksonburg and Reamsville country schools and Smith Center High School. In 1970, she received a bachelor of arts in music education from Kearney State College in Nebraska. On Aug. 9, 1970, she married James G. Leising in Franklin, Neb., and taught vocal music there for two years.
The couple lived in Ames, Iowa, from 1972 to 1976, where both their daughters were born. They moved to Davis in 1976 and remained there for nearly 20 years, until making their home in Stillwater, Okla., in 1995.
While her children were small, she gave piano lessons in her home. Eventually, she took a part-time job in the main library at UC Davis, which led to a career in library work. Upon moving to Stillwater, she was employed at the Edmond Lowe Library and, most recently, worked as a library specialist for the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.
She was baptized and confirmed as a child at the Reamsville Methodist Church near her family's farm. Upon her marriage, she joined the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and was a dedicated servant to her faith throughout her lifetime. Her involvement through the years included teaching and administering Sunday school, holding various offices in the church and in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League and conducting choir.
She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church. Known for her clear soprano voice, she shared her talent whenever asked. In addition to her musical gifts, she volunteered countless hours to school, community and 4-H youth programs.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Shirley May Willis.
In addition to her husband of 32 years, her survivors include her two daughters; Laura Parnell and her husband Cory of Gilbert, Ariz., and Andrea Bitunjac and her husband Bill of Minneapolis. She is also survived by 10 brothers and sisters, Better Webster of Colorado, Harriett Rounsley of Washington, Bill Garretson of Kansas, Stan Garretson of Nebraska, Virginia McBath of Idaho, J.F. "Fritz" Garretson of Idaho, Margaret Garretson of Arizona, Roger Garretson of Idaho, Marcia Heinrich of Alaska and L. Brent Garretson of Colorado.
A funeral was held Monday in Arapahoe, Neb., followed by interment at the Arapahoe Cemetery. A memorial service was held in Stillwater.
Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund, Lutheran World Relief-Project Comfort, The American Cancer Society or Judith Karman Hospice.
(Obituary from the "The Davis Enterprise," Friday, October 18, 2002, (Yolo County). Submitted with the permission of the "The Davis Enterprise," 315 G Street, Davis, CA 95616, . Please note: I am not related to the family listed above, and I do not have any further information on this family.