Mary Eileen Linke, 92, of Mitchell, died Monday, March 13, 2017, at Firesteel Healthcare Center.
Her memorial service was Monday, March 20, at the Letcher Community Church in Letcher, with burial at West Lawn Cemetery, also in Letcher. Visitation with a 7 p.m. prayer service was Sunday, March 19, at the Will Funeral Chapel.
Mary Eileen Smith, daughter of Harold and Bertha (Robbins) Smith, was born Jan. 5, 1925, in Mitchell. She grew up on a melon farm near Cuthbert. Eileen graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1942 and Eastern State Normal School with an elementary education degree. She later taught school for four years.
On Jan. 14, 1949, Eileen was united in marriage with Harold L. Linke. The couple farmed near Letcher. She was a seamstress, quilted, embroidered, and was an avid reader and crossword puzzle solver. She also enjoyed gardening and raising flowers.
Eileen was a member of extension and study clubs, and was a 4-H parent. She loved poetry and visits from grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also a member of the Letcher Community Church, the Ladies Fellowship and taught Sunday school.
She is survived by her four children, Linda (Ron) Misar of Humboldt, David (Pat) Linke of Mitchell, Steve Linke of Woonsocket, and Carol Linke of Mitchell; six grandchildren; four sisters, Ruth Gaetze of Letcher, Helen Linke and Vi Goergen, both of Woonsocket, and Karen (Jim) Mattke of Huron; and many nieces and nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Linke on May 23, 2006; her parents; a brother, Wayne Smith; and numerous in-laws.