TRAVERSE CITY — Linda Annette Puckett, 67, of Traverse City passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Monday, January 23, 2023 at French Manor Extended Care in Traverse City, where she had made her home for the past two years.
Linda was born on Friday, March 4, 1955 to the late Leo LaVerne and Ruth Annette (Gillett) Harkert in Reed City. On Saturday, June 28, 1997, she married the love of her life, Raymond B. Puckett at Evart.
Raised in Evart, she attended Evart Public Schools and graduated from there in 1973. She was a gifted flautist and sat first chair in the high school band. She was also a very good guitarist. She began her college career at Ferris State and then she transferred to Central Michigan University where she majored in singing. While she was growing up in Evart, she was the fifth generation in her family to be a member of Evart United Methodist Church and after moving to Cadillac, she was a member of Cadillac United Methodist Church. In Traverse City, she was affiliated with the Central United Methodist Church.
Deciding to pursue a career as a dental assistant, Linda became certified and has been in the industry for over 25 years. She initially worked for dental health professionals at Cadillac and after Linda and Ray moved to Traverse City in 1999, she was hired by Dr. Keith Kramer. Ray’s work with Rexair in Cadillacs has led him to travel around the world. She sometimes joined him, but they really enjoyed vacationing in warmer climes with their good friends Loretta and Steve Bliss. And, of course, a trip to the casino always made Linda smile. She and Ray had a great time entertaining at their home and barbecuing in the backyard.
Her declining health over the years required her to seek help from several assisted living centers in Traverse City and we would like to thank her caregivers for their excellent care and the love they have shown her.
Linda is survived by Brother Rick Harkert and his wife Jody, of Traverse City; nephew, Kendry (Matt) Scott of Interlochen; grandchildren, Nicholas (Lindsay) Harkert of Manton and Tyler (Lexie Grunwell) Harkert of Traverse City; great-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Tessa, Riley, Christopher, Noah, Liam and Elijah; Portage’s stepson Matthew (Leslie) Puckett; stepdaughters, Tina Niehart of Sarasota, FL and Renee Puckett of Grand Rapids and grandchildren, Kyle, Emma and Mason. Linda is also survived by her aunts, Louise Lantz of Lansing and Lilah Gillett of Overland Park, KS; her uncle and aunt, David and Pat Gillett from Holland and several of her cousins. She was preceded in her death by her husband, Ray; her mom and dad and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visiting for Linda will take place on Friday, January 27 from 4-6pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City. The memorial service will begin at 11am on Saturday 28 January in the Chapel of Central United Methodist Church, Traverse City with Pastor Chris Lane officiating. The visit will take place in the church one hour before the function. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions in memory of Linda can be directed to the choral music program at Central United Methodist Church or to the American Diabetes Association.
Please share your favorite memories of Linda by visiting her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
The family is served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
