Linda Lofgreen

Linda (McConkey) Lofgreen, Blue Springs, MO, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 29, 2024, surrounded by loving family at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, MO.

Born in Dodge City, Kansas, on September 6, 1945, Linda and her identical twin sister, Louise, started life with their boots & spurs 'on', ready to go! Parents Elmer George and Jesse Irene (Little) McConkey had selected Linda Louise to be the name of their newborn baby girl, not knowing until birth that they had identical twin baby girls. So, the babies each took one of the names.

Linda's family was living in the small town of Ingalls, KS when Linda and her twin sister were born. Within 6 weeks, Louise passed away and became Linda's guardian angel for life.

After Linda's father passed away, the McConkey Family moved to Cimarron, KS where Linda attended 5th through 12th grade, and graduated in 1963 from Cimarron High School. Linda was active in student leadership, and a dedicated cheerleader all through high school. She taught herself baton-twirling and was an active member of the high school marching band.

Linda moved to Wichita to attend Wichita Business College and graduated in 1964. The college staff was so impressed with her that they sponsored Linda as Miss Kansas in the Miss International beauty pageant in Long Beach, CA.

Linda worked as an executive secretary most of her life. She worked in the travel, oil & gas, and lumber industries. Linda was a member of EWI, Executive Women International, representing the oil industry.

Linda married Ray Rovenstine in 1966. A son, Steven, was born to this union. They divorced in 1974.

Linda and Jon Lofgreen met on a blind date. They were set up by mutual friends when they were young single working parents. Jon met Linda at her home and took her out for a Coca-Cola date. Linda and Jon were married in December of 1979 in Wichita.

They were seldom apart during their almost 42 years together. Linda & Jon enjoyed traveling in their RV, especially to the majestic Rocky Mountains where they would hike, fish for trout, camp and enjoy Linda’s cooking. She always said, everything "was made with LOVE - my special ingredient.”

Linda and Jon enjoyed being outside in the crisp mountain air watching spectacular sunsets together. They enjoyed God's magnificence and grandeur when they were alone, or when joined by their children, Steve, Kristen, and Derek. They also enjoyed working on home improvement and landscaping projects. Jon would design and complete the landscaping and Linda would select and prepare the potted plants/flowers.

Jon would wake up in the morning when he smelled the bacon cooking, come to the kitchen and greet Linda saying, "Good Morning, Beautiful!" It was a great way to start the day. God blessed them with a magical kind of love. They moved from Wichita, KS to Blue Springs, MO, after retirement so they could be closer to family.

Linda is survived by their children: Steve (Sharon) Rovenstine, Blue Springs, MO; Kristen Turner, Newton, KS; Derek (Angie) Lofgreen, Flower Mound, TX; sister-in-law, Deanna Lofgreen Ponting, and brother-in-law, David (Jeri) Lofgreen, Las Vegas, NV; cherished grandchildren and a great granddaughter on the way; as well as extended family and friends. She is also survived by her beloved pets: Bailey, Cooper and Dutchess.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jon Alan Lofgreen; infant sister Louise McConkey; brother Don McConkey and his wife Betty; and sisters Sue Josserand and Lois Dumler and her husband, Donald.

Visitation will begin on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 1:00 pm, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory Street, Ottawa, KS. A Funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm. Graveside services will be at Highland Cemetery following the funeral.

The family suggests memorials be sent to the Independence Animal Shelter, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, KS 66067 or send cards of sympathy to the mortuary.