Linda E. Drowns

Linda Esther (Church) Drowns, 79, of the Kansas City Northland, passed away March 12, 2023, in Warrensburg, Missouri.

Linda was born November 13, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri, the eldest of two children of Lester and Rayetta (Brain) Church.  She grew up in Lone Jack, Missouri, and graduated from Lone Jack High School. She later received her bachelor’s degree in Education from Central Missouri State University, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.  She also earned her master’s degree from the University of Kansas.  Linda was united in marriage to Michael T. Drowns on August 26, 1967, in Lone Jack.  They are blessed with three children and six grandchildren.

Linda’s school teaching career began at Woodland Elementary in Kansas City.  At Woodland, her supervisor introduced Linda to her son Mike Drowns, and thus began a love for more than five decades. While Mike was stationed in the Army in Colorado Springs, Linda taught elementary school there.  She ultimately retired from Turner School district in Kansas City, Kansas.

Linda was an active member of Platte Woods United Methodist Church.  She was also active in many volunteer roles, including tutoring at schools, working at election polls and as a census taker, and serving Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed reading and time with her book club, as well as time with teacher friends from her years in education.

Linda’s true love and dedication was to family.  Anyone who knew her, knew a gentle, generous spirit. She was quiet in her service and always showed genuine concern for others’ well-being.

Survivors include her children, Holly Ridge (Jerry), Michelle Allmon (Adam) and John Drowns (Amy); grandchildren, Jerry Ridge III (Brandi), Hayden Ridge, Hailey Ridge, Zane Allmon, Lyndon Allmon and Sage Drowns; brother, John Church (Judy) and their family; as well as other family members and friends.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by a service celebrating Linda’s life at 2:00 pm, on Friday, March 24, at Platte Woods United Methodist Church, 7310 Prairie View Road, Platte Woods, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org).