Linda Marie Garrett, of Hiawatha, surrounded by family, died peacefully Tuesday evening, August 1, 2023 at her home. She was 68.
Linda was born at Falls City, Nebraska, October 26, 1954, the daughter of Donald Jean and Josephine Morehead Overfield and has lived in this area most of her life. She grew up at Falls City, attending schools there where she later received her GED prior vocational technical school. She lived at Two Harbors, MN a short time before returning to this area and worked for Flair Fold for sixteen years. At was there she met the love of her life the first year working there James Garrett. She was one of the last 5 employees dismissed from Flair Fold when they closed their doors. In her early years there, she worked at Jayhawk bartending. Linda was not afraid work and always seemed to have two jobs at all times. Upon the closing of Flair Fold, she was already working her ‘second job’ at Sac & Fox Casino. Linda then went to Hiawatha Casey’s General Store, promoted in the Sabetha location to manager within 3 months. She worked at Sabetha for 6 years prior to working at Hiawatha. They sent her to other stores in the area in Nebraska, Holton while they were building the new Sabetha store. Linda came to the Hiawatha store to straighten it out, later transferring and becoming manager there due to traveling and her husband Jim’s illness. She earned numerous awards, gifts and a trip to Iowa for 15 year employee. Linda was a dedicated faithful employee and retired after 20 years of service.
Linda was baptized in the Catholic Church and was a true believer in God.
She married James David Garrett, Jr. July 16, 1983. They raised their family in Hiawatha where they enjoyed 34 years of being together until his unexpected death November 23, 2017. She was also preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Page Michelle Bostic, grandson Chazz Robert Exon, brothers: Duane Overfield and Richard “Dicky” Overfield.
Survivors include her children Stacy Mackey (Cliff) of Hiawatha, Jeff Luoma (Julie) of DeSoto, Kansas, Renee Bostic (Randy) of Hiawatha, James Garrett, III (Heather) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kari Clary (Chad) of Highland; 18 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Also surviving at her siblings Dale Overfield, David Overfield (Mary), Rose Hopkins (Ron), Keith Overfield, sister in law Linda Overfield.
A Celebration of Linda’s Eternal Life is planned for 11 a.m. Friday, August 4, 2023, at the Eternal Hope Worship Center in Hiawatha, with Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.
Friends may call at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha after 12 noon Thursday where the family will meet that evening from 6 until 8.
