Linda Louise Dedrick

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Linda Louise Dedrick, 59, passed away at her home in Bolivar, Mo., following a lengthy illness. Linda was taken to her heavenly home on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009. She was born Nov. 28, 1949, and was the first daughter of the late Curtis Pennington and the late Mary Kaleena (Blackmon) Gooden. Linda married her sweetheart, John O. Dedrick, on Dec. 22, 1968, and they spent nearly 41 wonderful years together. John and Linda were blessed with two sons, Johnny Dedrick, of Sheldon, Mo., and Michael Dedrick of Nevada.

Linda attended El Dorado Springs Schools and later graduated from Freeman, Mo., High School. Linda worked for West Central Community Action Agency for more than 25 years and loved helping people. Spending time at the lake with her friends and family was one of Linda's favorite things to do. She was an exceptional cook and loved having holiday dinners for her family. Linda's kitchen was filled with her collection of teapots.

Survivors in addition to her husband John of Bolivar, include two sons, Johnny Dedrick and his wife Joanne of Sheldon, and Michael Dedrick and his wife Cherie of Nevada; grandchildren, Gaige Dedrick, Lindsey Turner, Brandon Turner, and Derrick Turner; nine brothers, Dusty Pennington, Nevada, Sam Gooden, Walker, Mo., Homer Gooden, Montevallo, Paul Gooden, Lamar, Mo., Arthur Pennington, Everette Pennington, Bucky Pennington, Dean Pennington, and Billy Pennington, all from the Kansas City area; seven sisters, Rose Chastain, Ruth Woods, and Pam Meister, Nevada, Laura Cook and Rebecca Long of Montevallo, and Connie Pennington and Dana Pennington both from the Kansas City area, and many brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and two brothers, Larry Gooden Sr. of Virgil City, Mo., and an infant brother.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with Norman Highley officiating. Following the service a private family committal will be held at Olive Branch Cemetery, Milo.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.