Linda Pauline McLanahan Obituary March 10, 2026 - Dickey Funeral Homes, Inc.

Linda Pauline McLanahan, born on May 6, 1952, was the oldest child and only daughter of Francis and Dorothy (Taylor) Grah. The family lived in Quick City before moving to Garden City. After graduating from Sherwood High School in 1970, she married Ervin Petty and together they had two children before later divorcing.

While living in Archie, Linda was well known for her love of children. She operated an in-home daycare, often caring for several kids from early morning until evening, choosing to stay home so she could spend more time with her own son and daughter. During those years she began raising rabbits, an interest that led her to meet Virgil Blakeley, whom she married in 1983. He passed away in September 1985. In the 1990s, as the rabbit market shifted, Linda adapted and started raising rats and mice. In 1994 she married Charlie McLanahan, and they shared a distinctive life together until his passing in July 2023. They eventually phased out the animals as their health began to decline, enjoying time with friends they met regularly in Halfway, though most of those dear companions have since passed.

Linda possessed a remarkable network of acquaintances from every walk of life and occupation. If someone needed information or guidance, she was often the person who could connect them with the right knowledge or resource.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles, and her brother, who passed one year and one day before her. Linda is survived by her daughter, Crystal Ganey of Archie; her son, Brian Petty (Becky) of Archie; stepson Phillip McLanahan of Sarcoxie, Missouri; grandchildren Tristen, Christian, Kelton, Dara, Ali, Olivia, Rylee, and Natalie; five great-grandchildren; and many friends and extended family members who were equally dear to her.