Linda Jean Artman (née Pruitt), 65 of Orrick, died Aug. 13, 2022. Linda was born Sept. 7, 1956, to parents August and Norma Jean (née Howard) Pruitt in Neosho, MO. She was united in marriage with Robert (Bob) Artman June 3, 1979; he preceded her in death in Mar. 2016. 

Linda is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Artman (Ryan Van Pelt) and Cassie Collier (Jeff Collier) and two granddaughters, Rory and Clara. Other survivors include sister Joyce (Mike) Robbins; niece Kristen (Chris) Cates; and various cousins. 

Linda was born and raised in southwest Missouri, living in Neosho and Marionville, MO. She attended Missouri State University (then Southwest Missouri State) and University of Missouri, where she met and fell in love with Bob Artman. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in forestry. Linda and Bob married June 3, 1979. They moved to Bob’s hometown of Orrick, MO, where Bob farmed and Linda worked in banking. Linda stayed home to care for her daughters while they were young, then returned to work various roles in payroll and human resources. 

Linda loved animals, especially Sheltie dogs and Arabian horses, and treasured her home in the country. She enjoyed reading science fiction and going to the movies. Her greatest joy was becoming a grandmother and she cherished time with her granddaughters. Her family was very important to her. She made efforts to stay in touch with extended family, including organizing the Howard family reunion in 2015. 

A visitation will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, at Liberty United Methodist Church Sunset campus (1001 Sunset Avenue, Liberty MO), with a celebration of life to follow at 5 p.m. Inurnment will occur at a later date with immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Special Needs Services of Ray County, an organization for which Linda served as a board member in recent years and which was a cause near to her heart.