Linda Sue (Burdge) Wilson

Linda Sue “Mimi” Wilson, age 75, passed away surrounded by loved ones, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Omaha, Nebraska on April 6, 2024. Linda was born on September 19, 1948, in Norton, Kansas to father Kenneth Herbert Burdge and mother Irma Lee Gebhard.

Linda grew up on a small hog farm in Wathena, Kansas until later in her teen years, the family moved to Long Island, Kansas where Linda graduated from high school in 1966. During that time Linda was active in multiple clubs and activities and was elected Homecoming Queen in 1965.

Linda later attended Fort Hays State University to obtain a Teaching degree emphasizing in English, Speech and Art. Linda continued her involvement in multiple clubs associated with the liberal arts. She was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority, the Tiger Debs precision marching unit and was active in student government. Linda was chosen in an all-campus election and crowned the Fort Hays State Homecoming Queen in 1968.

Linda met her husband William Roy “Bill” Wilson while attending college and they were married on June 21, 1969 in Long Island, Kansas. Linda and Bill were blessed with the birth of their first child, Matthew Kenneth in July 1970 and later with the birth of their second child, Kelly Dawn in January 1975.

Following her college graduation, Linda briefly taught in Moreland, Kansas. The Wilson family then moved to Ashland, Kansas where Linda worked initially at the Stockgrowers State Bank and briefly for the Ashland school system as a secretary.  Linda later acquired a full-time position as the Ashland School District Art Instructor for all grades elementary through Senior year, along with an additional position as the high school Vocational English instructor. Linda was also the high school cheerleading sponsor/instructor, and the production, costume and stage manager for many high school musicals, dinner theaters and plays throughout her tenure. Linda worked for 26 years in the Ashland School District from 1984 to her retirement in 2010.

Linda accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age. She attended the Ashland Presbyterian Church with her family in Ashland, Kansas. She assisted with Sunday school and helped with the Christmas program for a few years.   

Linda became a grandmother for the first time with the birth of her granddaughter Summer Dawn Wilson in June 1994. Later multiple grandchildren followed: Savana Grace Wilson in February 2001, Hailey Irene Robinson in September 2002, William Stone Wilson in April 2004, and twins Carter Eugene Robinson and Hannah Sue Robinson in January 2005. Later, three step-grandchildren were added to her family: Charlie Marie Gibson, Chylynn Jean Gibson and Celia Joanne Gibson in November 2010.

Linda was an artist and took great joy in art, music, fashion, interior décor and landscaping. Linda enjoyed her time coaching the cheerleaders, choreographing their dance routines and helping to organize pep rallies.  She coached acting scenes and helped drama students to memorize their stage lines.  She assisted with many school dances including numerous proms during her tenure. Linda helped to organize fund raisers and worked the concession stand at numerous ball games. Linda was sincerely invested in the success of her students and even covered the expense of art supplies, learning materials and stage props/play costumes out of her own pocket, if necessary. 

Linda enjoyed movies and shared that enjoyment with her children. She would take them to many a drive-in or a double feature in Dodge City, Kansas. She would read important literary books with them and shared mutual excitement with Matt and Kelly while treasure hunting for Star Wars and Strawberry Shortcake memorabilia at the Woolworths, Gibsons and ALCO stores in Dodge City. Occasionally Linda would surprise the family with a new pet.  It might be a puppy, parakeet or a baby duckling but it was always unexpected and exciting. She actively supported Matt and Kelly at every event they were involved in during their formative years, and when they became adults, she provided wisdom, counseling, humor, and home decorating advice.

In 2003 Linda and Bill moved to the family ranch to take over full time. While Bill was occupied managing the ranch, Linda applied her special decorative touch to the farmhouse and grounds. She went as far as to convert the homestead into a veritable petting zoo. She acquired goats, chickens, ducks, geese, a miniature donkey and even a llama among other critters for the grandchildren to enjoy. Linda had stated that these were some of the happiest years of her life, as she and Bill basked in the glory of spending time with their grandchildren.

Unfortunately, in 2006, Bill was diagnosed with cancer. Linda soon retired to spend more time with her husband and family. Linda helped care for Bill during his cancer treatment and later relapse until his death in October 2010. Thereafter, Linda moved to Omaha, Nebraska to live with her daughter’s family for the next thirteen years while providing love and attention to her family in Omaha until her death. 

Linda Sue Wilson was a beautiful person inside and out. She had a tremendous sense of humor and a larger-than-life laugh.  She continued to be curious about history and the world around her until her death. She was genuinely interested in peoples’ lives and would listen compassionately to stories about their hopes, happiness and heartbreaks.  She was kind and complimentary. She was a rule maker (and a rule breaker when it suited her).  She was fun, silly and impulsive, but also a trusted problem solver. She will be greatly missed.

Linda is preceded in death by her husband Bill Wilson, her mother Irma Lee Gebhard, her father Kenneth Burdge, her stepfather Eldon Gebhard, her mother-in-law Irene Wilson and her father-in-law Matthew L. Wilson.

Linda is survived by her son Matt K. Wilson and wife Janae of Ashland, Kansas, daughter Kelly Robinson and husband Shawn of Omaha, Nebraska; nine grandchildren: Summer Heptig and husband Jeff, Savana Wilson, Stone Wilson, Hailey Robinson, Hannah Robinson, Carter Robinson, Charlie Garber and husband Nathan, Chylynn Gibson and Celia Gibson; one great-grandchild Alison Heptig; brother Robert Burdge and wife Nancy of Wichita, Kansas; sister-in-law Dot Stegman and husband Mike of Wichita, Kansas; two uncles: Mike Allen and David Allen; one nephew: Matt Stegman; two nieces: Michelle Stegman, and Mara Faragher and husband Shawn; three cousins: Debbie York and husband Mike, Bill McLaughlin and wife Darletta and Becky Holler.