March 29, 2024

Waneta Linger

Phoenix, Ariz.

Waneta G. Linger, 85, rested in our Lord’s loving arms on Dec. 19, 2017.

Waneta was born in Hebron, Iowa, the eighth of 12 children born to Lonnie and Gertrude Weed. She had a song for every occasion, a legacy from singing around the table with her family during World War II and at family gatherings, that she passed along to all of the little ones in her life. She married Tom Stegall, and they raised five children who survive her: Tim Stegall (Sue), Pam Lavin (Phil), Cheryl Machac (Jim), Carol Motyl (Kevin) and Chuck Stegall (Janie).

Waneta was gifted in bringing love, joy and compassionate care to those around her; and the Lord called her to give generously of herself. Tom passed away, and Waneta eventually married “Sweet William” Bill Hill. Together they biked and traveled, until cancer took him away from her. Waneta later married Dale Linger. They had happy years together, and she cared for him through a lung transplant and his subsequent death.

Throughout the years, Waneta provided parental backup by welcoming her six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and neighbors’ kids whenever they needed extra TLC or just wanted to come play with the grandma who joined them on the floor or in their imaginative games. Waneta is also survived by her sisters, Wanda Loseke (Don) and Ruth Weed.

Services were held in Phoenix, Arizona.