Linda Maxine (Atkinson) Warren was born February 27, 1945 in Kearney, NE to James Murray Atkinson and Doris (Timmerman) Atkinson Wood. She was raised in Overton, NE where she was valedictorian, homecoming queen, and involved in cheerleading, chorus, volleyball, drum major, and class president graduating high school in 1963. She earned a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History and English Kearney State College (1966) and returned to earn a Master of Arts in Education Kearney State College (1985). On August 12, 1966 she married Jon Russel Warren (Jack) in Overton later moving to Peru in 1970 and Auburn in 1975. She worked primarily as a reading and English teacher in Cozad, Bartlett, Dawson, and Auburn. She later taught English at Peru State College and also served as the career placement director. In addition, she worked as a city and rural mail delivery carrier. However, her greatest joy came from being at home with her children and spending time with her grandchildren.

A deeply caring and selfless person, Linda was known for her generosity, hospitality, and unwavering compassion. She said her true calling was caring for people and reflected that “God has always provided somebody for me to take care of.” She lived out that calling daily caring for others and volunteering for numerous organizations including serving as the state president of the American Association of University Women, United Methodist Women, church boards, Brownville Concert Hall board, Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels and PEO to name a few. She was rich in her faith and cherished her family, friends and community.

Linda passed on March 31, 2026 in Auburn NE after needing months of blood transfusions due to a bone marrow disorder. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, her infant brother (Francis Atkinson), and brother James Edward Atkinson.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband Jon, and sister-in-law Su Ellyne Hopkins (Lincoln); daughter Jonell (Warren) Ziola and sonin- law Andrew Ziola (Broken Arrow, OK); son Aric Jon Warren and daughter-in-law Heidi Warren (Stillwater, OK); and her beloved grandchildren: Anna Ziola (Denver, CO), Kira Ziola (Broken Arrow, OK), Henry Warren, Isaak Warren, and Ella Warren (Stillwater, OK).

A memorial service was held Saturday April 4, 2026 at the Brock Methodist Church in Brock, officiated by Rev. Tom Earhart. Ross Sandfort was accompanist for congregational hymns. Honorary bearers were her grandchildren Anna Ziola, Kira Ziola, Henry Warren, Isaak Warren, and Ella Warren. A committal service and burial of her ashes will take place at the Overton, Nebraska cemetery on Saturday, April 11, at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow at the Overton Family Center.

The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be directed to the American Red Cross. Linda will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her kindness, faith, and the countless lives she touched through her care and compassion.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home.