Linda Sue (Carlson) Bennett, 74, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on January 20, 2021 in Springfield, Missouri.

Linda was born on January 8,1947 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin to Paul Whitney Carlson and Marietta (Graves) Carlson. She spent her early childhood years between Rhinelander, Wisconsin and her aunt's farm near Phillipsburg, Missouri. Being a military child, Linda lived two tours in Nelligan, Germany and multiple tours in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. She always spoke fondly of the time spent in Stuttgart, Germany. She graduated from Waynesville High School in 1964 and enjoyed her summers at the Fort Leonard Wood swimming pool. On April 21,1967 she was united in marriage to Robert Wayne Bennett, Jr. in Springfield, Missouri and they were married 52 years.

The love of sightseeing was ingrained in Linda at an early age. She was an avid traveler enjoying family vacations throughout Europe and later the U.S. She especially enjoyed family vacations all over the United States in the family RV.

Linda loved her family and pets. She was a financial wizard, her organizational skills were an art form to envy and anything chocolate was always on hand.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Bennett, Jr., her parents, David and Marietta (Graves) Gilliand of Fayetteville, N.C., and her father Paul Carlson of Rhinelander, WI.

She is survived by her two daughters, Cara Bennett Jones (Aaron) of Warrenton, MO and Whitney Bennett Mayberry (Cory) of Springfield, MO. Her granddaughters, Aarica Marie Jones, Warrenton, MO and Cortney Elizabeth Mayberry, Springfield, MO, her sister Cindy (Gilliland) Harmon (Rick) Indianapolis, IN and nephew Samuel Harmon, Whitestown, IN.

Private graveside service will take place at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Castaway Animal's Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E), 1328 W. Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65807, 417-875-6565.