Mary Linda (White) Stapp was born in Ponca City, OK on May 16, 1942 and passed away peacefully on September 19, 2022. She was raised in Barnsdall, OK, where her friends and family knew her as Mary Linda before attending the University of Mississippi. She was an accomplished baton twirler as a Rebelette at Ole Miss. She returned to Oklahoma to care for her ailing mother and completed her degree in elementary education at OSU. Linda moved to Dewey, OK where she worked as a fourth grade teacher. She met Paul Stapp at a Bridge class he taught at the YWCA, they married in 1965, and made their home in Bartlesville. While teaching in Dewey she established the Dewey Darlings, a youth twirling group. Linda left her teaching career to be a stay-at-home mom to her five children. Paul preceded her in death in 1991.
Linda was a dedicated volunteer her entire adult life. She served as a Girl Scout leader, a Y-Teens leader, a Public School Foundation member in addition to working in whatever capacity was needed in her childrens’ schools in Bartlesville. As a member of Bluestem Baptist Church, she taught children’s Sunday School for many years, and served as the children’s choir director at her church, producing many children’s choir Christmas pageants for the church to enjoy. She was an active member of the Zeta Tau Alpha alumni group and Panhellenic in Bartlesville. She was a member of the Service League in Bartlesville and loved volunteering for their many projects.
Linda was a devoted grandmother to her grandchildren and spent many years traveling to help care for them. She loved attending all of their performances and sporting events. She moved to Tulsa in 2014 where she enjoyed an active life in her independent living community. She loved singing in the choir, performing with her line dancing group and walking outdoors around her favorite duck pond. Linda has lived in the Kansas City area since 2017 where she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and remained active in her community. She is survived by her five children, Lori Crocker of Houston, TX, Susie Gurley of Leawood, KS, Rachel Lavarnway of Tulsa, OK, John Stapp of Boston, MA and James Stapp of Ithaca, NY. She had seven grandsons and two granddaughters.
A private graveside service will be held. The family asks that In lieu of flowers, gifts in Linda’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
This is a lovely tribute for a lovely lady. She was so special to many of us.
Linda’s kind heart and compassion for others will be her legacy, proudly carried forward by her children and grandchildren. Thank you for giving us that example to live by Linda.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Love, Kimberly Crocker
Linda was a wonderful woman and such a good friend to everyone and especially to me
We send our deepest sympathy to the Stapp family. Please know we are lifting you up in our thoughts and prayers. May Gods peace and comfort be your strength and your hope. Ps 119:50 “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
Rest in Heaven Linda girl 💓 it was an honor to know you & be your caregiver. Your laugh was always my favorite, sending my deepest condolences to the family at this time.
I remember the days of softball. She was the best “team mother !” Always smiling. Love your family.
Love you Linda. You were the best at friendship and mothering. My deepest sympathies to Lori, Susie, Rachel, John and Jimmy. I cherish the memories of watching all of you grow up, and of your mom’s friendship.
We met Linda in Kansas City where she and my mother lived in the same independent living community. She was such a good friend to my mom. A beautiful spirit. Rest In Peace dear lady.