Linda Kay Grafton, born May 23, 1950, in Hillsboro, died Saturday morning, Aug. 20, 2011. She was 61. She joins her father, Gus Dirks, and her mother, Elizabeth Dirks.

Ever gentle, sweet, creative, talented, and kind, Linda gave unselfishly to others as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, counselor, cook, and friend. Beautiful, with consoling blue eyes, a comforting smile and tender voice, Linda filled her house with lights and with joy as generously as she filled others’ lives with light and joy.

Linda taught kindergarten, first and second grade, for 32 years touching hundreds of children’s lives and inspiring them with her patience, care, and understanding. She tirelessly fought for every child’s right to excel in early education.

After her teaching career, she became the owner of and professional chef at The Palette Bistro in the Delano District in Wichita.

At her restaurant, she cooked and cared for the entire community just as she shared her food and herself from her kitchen at home, showing love and humor for everyone she knew.

She is dearly missed by her husband, Les; daughter, Courtney of Kansas City, Mo.; son, Micah of Wichita; brother, Gary of Wichita; sister, Connie of Wichita; and a large extended family.

A viewing will be from noon to 8 p.m. with family receiving visitors 6 to 7 p.m. today at Resthaven Mortuary with funeral service Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at First Mennonite Brethren Church, Wichita.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the church. Condolences may be offered at www.resthavenmortuary-cemetery.com.