Linda Sue Witzke, 73, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Trinity Manor Nursing Home in Dodge City, Kansas. Linda was born on January 20, 1953, in Hanford, California, to William Lewis Jones and Dorothy Mae Richardson Jones. An only child, Linda was raised in Hanford before eventually making her home in Ensign,Kansas, where she spent most of her adult life.

On June 5, 1969, Linda married Melvin Ray Watson. Together, they welcomed two sons, Ronald Curtis Watson and Travis Blaine Watson. In 2002, Linda married Larry Witzke.

Linda dedicated much of her working life to serving others through cooking. She spent the majority of her career as the head cook for the Ensign School System before continuing her work at Minneola Hospital and Nursing Home. To the many students who passed through the Ensign school lunchroom over the years, Linda was much more than the lady behind the lunch counter. She was a familiar, smiling face who greeted them with kindness, warmth, and genuine care. Many who grew up in Ensign still remember Linda and the way she treated them. Her sweet and caring nature left a lasting impression on generations of students, and those memories remain a special part of her legacy.

Above all, Linda loved her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She found happiness in being surrounded by those she loved, and she extended that same warmth and kindness to the many people she cooked for throughout her life.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, William Lewis Jones and Dorothy Mae Richardson Jones. She is survived by her two sons, Ronald Curtis Watson and his wife, Paula Kay Kendall Watson, of Woodward, Oklahoma, and Travis Blaine Watson and his wife, Mitzi Perryman Watson, of Granbury, Texas. She was blessed with four grandchildren: Amanda Henning-Laborde and her husband, Chris Henning Laborde, of Piedmont, Oklahoma; Kendall Tanner Watson and his wife, Skylar Watson, of Mullinville, Kansas; Brayden Travis Watson of Woodward, Oklahoma; and Tripp Douglas Watson of Granbury, Texas. Linda's four great-grandchildren include Greyson Jett and Brielle Quinn Laborde, and Avery Lynn and Bristol Claire Watson. Another great-granddaughter is expected in the spring of 2027.

Linda will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her kindness toward others, and the love she shared with her family and community. Her legacy lives on not only through her children and grandchildren but also through the countless lives she touched with a warm meal, a friendly smile, and a caring heart.

A memorial graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Ensign Cemetery. There is no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to the family to be used for school lunch pantries. Memorials may be mailed to Swaim Funeral Chapel - 1901 Sixth Ave - Dodge City, KS 67801. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guestbook at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.