Linda Lou Bockius

Linda Lou Bockius, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend and counselor took her final breath on Saturday, November 18th, 2017. Linda was born to Nathan and Dorothy Bowlin on October 5, 1937 and was raised in Pratt, Kansas with her older sister Norma Sue. Linda was a devoted Girl Scout and proudly wore her Girl Scout uniform until she graduated high school in 1955. One of her favorite adventures was a troop trip to New York City and Washington DC. She was honored to be Senior Homecoming Queen and to serve as Pratt’s Mayor for a day. After high school, Linda went to St Joseph’s School of X-Ray and Technology in Witchita, KS. She moved to Bartlesville, OK to work as an X-Ray technician where she met the man of her dreams, Billy Guy Bockius. The couple went to Oklahoma State University where Linda earned a degree in Early Childhood Education. They married on October 2, 1960. They would eventually call Muskogee their home where they raised their daughters Melissa, Stephanie, and Jennifer in Grandview. Linda began her teaching career at Hilldale Elementary where she taught for eight years. While teaching, she attended Northeastern State University and earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling. She worked as guidance counselor at Hilldale Elementary for 17 years. Linda loved helping children! If there was a less fortunate child in her midst, she made every effort to see that their needs were met. She was known for her annual Christmas drive helping less fortunate children and their families. Many of her students remain close to her to this day. Linda had a tireless interest in shopping, decorating and collecting antiques. Through the years she had several antique booths in Muskogee and surrounding areas. She made many friends antiquing and was a member of PEO and Muskogee Antique Club. To know Linda was to LOVE her. She was a standout; known for her unique voice, contagious laugh and outgoing personality. She never met a stranger and was always eager to help a person in need. She loved spending time with her family, friends and dogs. Linda is survived by her husband Billy Guy Bockius, daughters Melissa Roth and her husband Spencer Roth, Stephanie Garrett and son-in-law Mike Garrett, Jennifer Todd and son-in-law Terry Todd. Her grandchildren: Meagan Sinclair, Rebecca Beaty, Kyle and Brittany Garrett and Buck Todd. Her great grandchildren: Bailee Coltharp, Parker Sinclair and Aubrie Beaty. Her sister Norma Sue Bergner. Her nieces and nephew: Mindy Bergner Carls, Gary Bergner and Dr. Lou Ann Bergner. And her Cousin Annie Hoffman, her husband Stuart and their daughter Kaylee. The family is forever grateful to the ladies who have cared for Linda like family: Kassie Sallis, Beverly Sample, Sonja Wilson, and Gina Wilson. Funeral services will be held at Muskogee Little Theatre, 311 S. 3rd. Muskogee, OK on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. Interment will be in Greenhill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jason Rogers, Mike Garrett, Kyle Garrett, Buck Todd, Ron Boren, Spencer Roth, Stuart Hoffman and Jody Standridge. Honorary pallbearers are Brandon Zuniga, Catch Phrase Girls, Hilldale Teachers, PEO Sisters, Antique Club Friends, Bridge Friends, All caregivers, and too many friends to list. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to PAWs of Muskogee, Grace Episcopal Church or choose a child in need and make their Christmas wishes come true.

Linda Lou Bockius

October 5, 1937 - November 18, 2017