Linda Louise Wood

Linda Louise Thompson-Wood, 68, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas, surrounded by the love of her family.

Linda was born on October 11, 1957, in New Castle, Wyoming, to Roy Leonard Thompson and Rose Ellen Thompson. In her younger years, she was active in athletics and drama at Pine Bluffs High School in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming where she graduated from. She also enjoyed barrel racing, pole bending, and dancing. Linda embraced life with energy, creativity, and a free spirit. On July 11, 1986, she married Kent Wood, and following their marriage they made their home in Mankato, Kansas, beginning a life together centered on family, love, and shared commitment.

Linda’s careers throughout her life reflected who she was as a person, always wanting to care for and serve others. She did this as a beautician and babysitter. She was also a talented quilter and crafter, pouring love and care into everything she created. Her quilts, handmade gifts, and creative work will always be treasured by her family and loved ones.

Above all, Linda’s heart was defined by the way she loved people. She not only loved her family deeply, but also opened her heart and home to many others. She lovingly “adopted” many of her daughter’s friends and her grandchildren’s friends. Treating them as family and offering them the same warmth, care, and acceptance she gave her closest loved ones. To many, she was a second mom and a safe place to land, and to countless children over the years, she was known simply as Grandma Linda.

Outside of her work and hobbies, Linda found joy in the simple, meaningful parts of life—time spent with family, sharing stories, and caring for those she loved. She had a strong work ethic, a generous heart, and a personality that could be both strong-willed and deeply compassionate. Those who knew her best will remember her as someone who could always be counted on.

Faith was an important part of Linda’s life. It gave her strength in difficult times and guided the kindness she showed to others throughout her life.

Linda is survived by her husband, Kent Wood; her daughter, Jamie McKinsey, and son-in-law, Joshua McKinsey; her granddaughter, Emma Stithem (Kyle); her grandson, Aidan McKinsey (Chloe); her sister, Paula Bivens (Rich); her brother, Casey Thompson (Alison); her brother-in-law, Doug Wood (Robin); and her sisters-in-law, Dixie Schettler (Patrick) and Connie Winter (David). She also leaves behind many extended family members, including many nieces and nephews, dear friends, and extra children/grandchildren who will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Leonard Thompson and Rose Ellen Thompson, her in-laws, Billy Lee Wood and Shirley Louise Wood, and her brother, Kelly Thompson.

While her family mourns her passing, they find comfort in knowing that her suffering has ended and that she is now at peace. The love she shared, the lives she touched, and the memories she created will remain her lasting legacy. Linda’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a gift that will never be forgotten. She will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, healthcare professionals, and hospice staff at Menorah Hospital and Midland Hospice House who provided compassionate care and comfort during Linda’s final days.

A funeral service celebrating Linda’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on July 2, 2026, at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton, Kansas. The family will gather an hour prior at 9:30 A.M. to welcome guests.