Linda Kay Gumescheimer, 73, of Bazine, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

She was born on July 29, 1952, in Bazine to Vernon and Evelyn (Stieben) Gumescheimer. Linda spent most of her life in her hometown, cherishing the closeness to family and the familiar community that shaped her.

A 1970 graduate of Bazine High School, Linda went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from Glendale Community College in Glendale, Arizona. She began her career in various business offices before returning home to co-own and operate The Country Art Studio in Bazine with her friend and business partner, Marjorie. There, she joyfully turned her passions for artwork, custom framing, and flower arranging into a full-time livelihood. Linda thrived on the creative freedom and the warm interactions with customers who became friends over the years.

In her personal time, she delighted in arranging flowers, creating detailed oil paintings, cooking cherished German recipes (both old family favorites and new discoveries), and tending an occasional garden.

Linda founded TWL Tours, which allowed her to organize sightseeing trips for friends and fellow travelers, often with a fun stop at a casino to try their luck. These adventures brought her great joy through shared experiences and new memories.

After closing the art studio, Linda continued her floral work at Ness City Flower Shop and Debbie's Downtown Floral for many years. She later joined Dillon's Supermarket in Hays, where her friendly presence made her a favorite among customers and colleagues alike. Health challenges led her to retire from that role in the fall of 2025.

Yet perhaps her most cherished role was "Aunt Linny." She loved her nieces and nephews deeply, bragging about their accomplishments and spoiling them whenever she could. Her happiness grew even more when she became a great-aunt seven times, delighting in each new addition to the family.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Vernon Gumescheimer, and her great-nephew, Gage Nech.

She is survived by her mother, Evelyn Gumescheimer of Bazine; her sister, Paula Atwell and husband Courtney of Utica, Kansas; her brother, Craig Gumescheimer and wife Lori of Murrieta, California; her nieces, Brooke (Justin) Nech and Danee' (Jeremy) Langer; her nephews, Taylor J. (Jessica) Atwell and Derek Gumescheimer; and her six great-nephews: Tate (Mary) Nech, Kale Nech, Tavin Atwell, Blake Atwell, Declyn Langer, Bridger Langer.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the Linda Gumescheimer Memorial Fund, in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, Kansas.