Clara M. Linden, 84, Sterling, Kan., went home to be with our Lord on May 16, 2014, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family. Born Feb. 20, 1930, in rural Sedgwick County to Ausby and Alice Fry, she was the youngest of 4 siblings, Edward, Helen, Ruth and Clara.

Married in 1948, after graduating Hamilton High School, she had been the wife and helpmate of James F. Linden for 65 years. They would have celebrated 66 years of marriage on July 4 of this year. "She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls." Proverbs 31:10. Mother to four children, Nelda, Dave, Nita, Dale; grandmother of 16, great-grandmother of 28, and great great-grandmother of one, Clara is considered the matriarch of Christian values for the Linden tribe. Moving to Rice County in 1951, Clara had been known over the years for her sewing skills, bread making and home cooking of fish and game, flower and vegetable gardening, preserving foods by canning, dehydration and freezing, and her dandelion wine. She enjoyed interests in natural foods and supplements, natural remedies and jigsaw puzzles. Clara's greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends.

A "Life Celebration" will be held on July 5, 2014, in her honor. (Contact a family member for more details.) She is united with our Lord; her parents, Ausby and Alice; grandchildren, Lowen Linden and Tina Rumley; and great-grandchildren, Brittney Wasinger and Courtney Stroud. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clara M. Linden Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Please visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a personal condolence for Clara's family and contact Elliott Mortuary at 620-663-3327 for any details on the service.