The much loved mother, wife, stepmother, friend, photographer, teacher, student, volunteer, philanthropist, mentor, mentee, and all-around amazing woman, Linda (Pratt) Gregory, passed away on September 8th, 2023, in Wichita, Kansas, after a tragic accident. She has given the gift of tissue donation, as per her wishes. Linda was born on November 6, 1953, in Fort Madison, Iowa, where she lived for 46 years. Linda is survived by a former husband, with whom she has two grown children: son Lance Dingman and daughter Sonya Dingman. Linda relocated to Wichita, Kansas, in 1999. There, she married and is survived by her husband, Mel Gregory, and two stepchildren, Brenda and Tara Gregory. Linda is also survived by a brother, Steve Pratt; a sister, Debbie Rollins; several nieces and nephews; and three fur babies.
Linda loved to travel. As a child, she visited many states. As an adult, she went camping with her family in many more states, particularly at well-known landmarks like Mount Rushmore, Niagara Falls, and the Grand Canyon. In 1996, Linda traveled to Haiti. Together with her husband Mel, Linda traveled to many destinations, including Germany, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Romania, Ireland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Linda's camera, which she carried at all times, was a vital component of her trips. Linda never stopped being a photographer. Linda always sought to capture the candid moments between people as well as the glorious landscapes of the places she was visiting. When home, she was often volunteering her time, photography skills and warm heart wherever needed. Photography was a large part of Linda's life, and after 15 years of diligent effort, beautiful photographs, volunteer activities, learning new processes and techniques, she was awarded Master of Photography on January 17, 2022, by the Board and Council of Professional Photographers of America. Her photography was something else. The world is a more beautiful place with her in it.
Much like her photographs, Linda's heart brought beauty into the world. Her children and spouse knew how amazing she was, but she also spent every moment of every day trying to make each person she came into contact with feel special. Linda's heart was bursting with love for everyone around her, regardless of their walk of life or where their zip code was. To know Linda was to know a strong, warm, enveloping wisdom and true love for yourself. Linda made that happen.
That is why, to honor and continue her legacy, Linda's family requests that donations be made to the scholarship foundation set up in her honor, in lieu of gifts or flowers. https://gofund.me/57ebfcf7 Linda would be proud. A Celebration of Life memorial will be held on November 6, 2023, Linda's 70th birthday, in Wichita, at a location and time to be announced.
