Linda Ann Hopkins

Linda A. Hopkins, 59, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at her home in Burlington after a long and courageous fight with breast cancer.

Linda was born October 17, 1964 in Independence, Kansas. Gary and LeeAnn (Turner) Tallman. Gary was later remarried to Norma Tallman who adopted, nurtured, supported and loved Linda. Their unique bond was stronger than most mother/daughter bonds and one that Linda cherished and honored. She lived most of her childhood in Independence, KS and attended local schools. She graduated from Independence High School in 1983. She pursued her post secondary education in teaching because of the love and influence of her beloved Grandma Turner and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University and her Master’s degree from Emporia State University. Her family was so proud of her determination and accomplishments.

She was a passionate teacher and advocate for her students, with a career spanned 27 years, most recently she taught Special Education for 6th through 12th grade at Lebo Schools for many years. She was also a teacher for international students online. She was loved by her students, their parents and her associates.

Linda was outgoing and fiercely loyal to family and friends. She loved to bowl, she was a huge sports fan and could often be seen cheering for the Chiefs, the Royals, University of Kansas. Her favorite sporting events of all were the ones she watched her grandchildren participate in. When it came to fantasy football nobody was more enthusiastic than she was. She was also creative and found many outlets to display her talents. Making decorated cakes for her children and later her grandchildren, sewing quilts for loved ones, coming up with fun Halloween costumes and a wide range of ever changing arts and crafts projects.

Linda was a member of the Lebo United Methodist Church and had been attending Radiant Life Church in New Strawn. She was also a member of the Kansas National Education Association.

She will be forever remembered by her husband, Mark Hopkins of Lebo; mother Norma Tallman, two sons, Alex (Cayla) Madron of Parsons, Kansas and Zach (Chantell) Madron of Edna, Kansas; two step-sons, Matt (Amanda) Hopkins and Jamison Hopkins, both of Lebo; a sister, Christine (Dan) Repp of Cherryvale, Kansas; a brother, Bill Neary of Tampa, Florida; ten grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the Lebo United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held Friday from 11:00 a.m. until service time. Cremation to follow the Lebo service. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 1, 2024 at the Independence Episcopal Church with inurnment at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence, Kansas. Memorial contributions can be made to Lebo Activity Fund for a scholarship fund and sent in care of Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, 107 W. Sixth, Lebo, Kansas 66856. Condolences may be expressed at Vanarsdalefs.com.