Obituary

Linda Gayle John

October 27, 1948 - June 8, 2025

Linda Gayle John, age 76, of Omaha, NE, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 8th, after a several-year long battle with cancer.

Born on October 27th, in Sioux City, Iowa, Linda was the youngest child of Delbert and Harriet Hitt. She grew up in Omaha with her parents and brother, Doug. In high school, she played the clarinet in the marching band. She graduated from Benson High School in Omaha in 1967, spent a year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and then began a part-time career in 1970 that would grow into nearly 30 years of dedicated service at Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph company where she held many roles. She also worked for Assurity Insurance for many years.  In her retirement, she enjoyed working at the hardware store in Ashland.

Linda was a loving mother who raised three children, Matt, Mark and Angie. Later in life, she was blessed to become a grandparent to eight grandchildren—Kylie, Emma, Allie, Tyler, Zac, Ben, Stella, Sam—and one great-grandchild, Ruthie. Some of her favorite days involved family dinners, zoo and Nebraska City trips, holidays, watching her grandkids play sports, Husker football Saturdays and spending time together.

Linda had a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life. She was an avid gardener and a lover of flowers, cooking, art, and antiquing, with a special place in her heart for her pets. She loved watching old movies, staying busy, and spending time with friends.

She loved to travel. Her adventures began with childhood fishing trips to Minnesota, and as an adult, she explored both coasts, including California and Maine, and also ventured through the U.S. interior, with memorable time spent in Colorado, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana and other states along the way. She visited several islands in the Caribbean and Mexico, went on multiple cruises, and explored the American South and Southwest, including some of our most beautiful national parks.

Some of her favorite travels were to Ireland, where she kissed the Blarney Stone, and to Iceland on her final trip, with her son Mark and friends late last year, where she experienced breathtaking waterfalls and untouched natural beauty.

Linda is remembered most for her loving heart, whimsical and easygoing nature, sense of humor, kindness, strength, and the joy she brought to others. She deeply loved her children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, and neighbors. She was never one to slow down, always happiest when saying “yes” to life and never wanting to miss time with the people she loved.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith in Jesus, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to caring for others.

She is survived by: Son, Matt, and his wife, Anne; their children, Kylie Woolery ( spouse Sam), their child RuthAnne; Emma, and Allie of Bennington, NE. Son Mark, and his wife Kelly; their children, Tyler, Zac and Ben of St. Charles, IL. Daughter Angie, and her husband Joe; their children Stella and Sam of Lincoln, NE. She is also survived by her brother, Douglas Hitt, his wife Judy; and nieces, nephew and many cousins.

Linda was a woman of faith who placed her trust in God, and that trust shaped the way she loved, the way she gave, and the way she faced both life’s challenges and joys with grace and strength.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Ashland Methodist Church, 1442 Adams Street Ashland, NE.

June30

Visitation

CST

Ashland Methodist Church

1442 Adams Street Ashland, NE

July1

Memorial Service

Ashland Methodist Church

1442 Adams Street Ashland, NE

Share a Memory or Condolence

June 19, 2025

I met Linda when she began working at the Hardware Store in Ashland. She always had a smile and was very helpful to the customers. She will be missed by all that knew her. R.I.P.

– Dick Watson
June 18, 2025

Linda, Kate, my husband, and myself became almost instant friends when she moved from Ashland to our neighborhood. We enjoyed weekly dinners. The 4 of us went to Vegas and had a wonderful time. We spent weekends attending estate sales, where we purchased numerous useless items. She frequently left baked goods at my door which accounts for our excess weight 😂. My husband and I will sadly miss her, along with my dog Roo who always had to stop by and visit in order to see his Linda.

– Donna Akrin
June 17, 2025

Linda and I shared so many memories through the years. Those memories started when we worked together at 15&M at LT&T in the 80’s. She would probably agree that those were some of the best times of our lives. There was never a dull moment. Linda was always helpful, positive and just fun to work with. She had a great sense of humor and always willing to share her great laugh. We also ended our careers together as Customer Fulfillment Technicians and enjoyed our time there together as well. Linda had such a great impact on so many years. She truly left her legacy alone the way. She will be missed by many. God bless you Linda, 🙏 🙏 Our sincere condolences to Mark, Matt, Angie and family during this difficult time

– Bob and Karen Bade
June 17, 2025

Oh Linda,I’m sure going to miss our Adventures and Card Games . I know you are our Loving Angel now not hurting anymore but I’m sure going to miss you and are going to think of you often . R.I.P. 🌹

– Laurel&Allen Campbell
June 17, 2025

I met Linda when we both worked at the 15th & M Street Lincoln Telephone Phone Center in the 80’s. She was a helpful mentor; a fun lunch partner and we enjoyed a lifelong friendship. Always willing to share her knowledge on many of life’s subjects. She had a great smile and a wonderful laugh. Linda touched so many lives and we all benefited from her true and faithful friendship. I am so grateful to have had Linda as an important part of my journey. You will be missed sweet friend.

– Karen Brey
June 17, 2025

Our deepest sympathy to Matt, Mark, Angie, and family.

– John and Karen Brey

Obituaries & Services

Nola Bubb

1/7

Linda K. Green-Pence

2/7

Suzanne Lewis

3/7

David J. Arndt

4/7

Richard Allen

5/7

Daniel L. Duffy

6/7

Alice C. Thorell

7/7

Never miss an obituary, sign up for email or text message notifications

We’re here

Grief Support

We understand that grieving doesn’t end after the service. We offer Aftercare for grief support as you process and heal from your loss.

Learn More