Linda Merz

Long term resident of Newkirk and Ponca City, Linda Ann Merz, passed away at Integris Southwest Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on December 27, 2024. 

She was born on December 24, 1939, at home on a farm northwest of Oklahoma City to Richard Park and Florence Ivie Tyson Stinchcomb. The farm was part of Lee Stinchcomb Land Run of 1889, and he was one of the first settlers in Oklahoma. After graduating from Putnam City High School in 1958. She attended OSU where she met Don Merz. After Don completed his basic training for the Army, they were married on October 22, 1961. They welcomed their first son Dave on December 12, 1964. On January 1, 1968, they were blessed with their second son, Doug. 

When the boys were old enough to help on the farm they did, and they are still going on their own farms 50 years later. Linda drove trucks and tractors and could work the meanest old cow if she needed to. During harvest season, Linda never missed bringing a hot meal to the field, no matter how hot or cold it was. She went back to finish her degree at OSU and graduated in 1985.

Linda was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Newkirk, UMW Extension Club, and PEO FC. She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed watching OSU and Kansas City Chiefs football. Linda enjoyed taking care of those around her, which she also displayed as a social worker for DHS for the State of Oklahoma, retiring after 16 years. 

Those left behind to cherish Linda’s memory are her husband Don of 63 years; sons: Dave and wife Lindy Merz, Doug Merz. Her grandchildren: Dane and Katie; great-granddaughter Kashlynn Merz of Newkirk; her sister-in-law Nancy Stinchcomb. As well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Larry Stinchcomb, and her grandson Daniel Merz. 

Linda was truly a wonderful wife and mother and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

Funeral services for Linda will take place on Friday, January 3, 2025, 10 a.m., at the Newkirk First Methodist Church with Pastor Justin Pickup officiating. Burial will follow at Newkirk City Cemetery. 

Online condolences may be made at www.millerstahl.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Ave., Ponca City, OK 74601.