Linda Sabala

Linda Sabala

October 2, 2026 | Age 75

Linda Sabala, 75, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on October 2, 2026, leaving a beautiful legacy of faith, love, and generosity.

Linda had a remarkable gift for making others feel special. She lit up every room she entered, remembered the smallest details about the people she met, and never missed an opportunity to celebrate those around her. Whether through a handwritten birthday card, a thoughtful note, or a helping hand, Linda made certain the people in her life knew they mattered. Her kindness knew few limits, and she rarely found a reason to say no to someone in need.

At the center of Linda’s life was her beloved husband of 54 years, Michael, with whom she built a family that was her greatest joy. She was immensely proud of her five children, grandchildren, and great-grandson, and treasured every opportunity to be together.

Growing up in St. Anthony Parish in Wichita, Linda developed a deep faith and an enduring bond with her four sisters. They shared a lifelong closeness and a love of singing together, filling family gatherings with music, laughter, and cherished memories.

A devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Linda lived her faith through prayer and service. She was active in her rosary group, perpetual adoration, the parish funeral committee, The Lord’s Diner, and countless other ministries. Among her many quiet acts of devotion was baking unleavened Communion bread for the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.

Linda dedicated 27 years to Newman University, where she began as bookstore manager and later contributed to the development of adult studies and served as Director of Graduate Admissions. A Newman alumna and recipient of the university’s Staff Excellence Award, she built lasting relationships with students, faculty, and colleagues from around the world. Her genuine interest in others extended far beyond the university walls.

Linda is survived by her husband, Michael Sabala; her children, Michelle (Steve) Hagerott, Michael (Lisa) Sabala, Mary (O’Brien) Rittlinger, Matthew (Brooke) Sabala, and Melissa (David) Nelson; her grandchildren, Alex, David, Joseph, Sam, Zachary, Mark, and Anna Hagerott; Andrew (Katie) Sabala; Adam and Allison Rittlinger; Charlie and Adalyn Sabala; and Corbin, Katherine, Connor, and Cameron Nelson; her great-grandson, Michael Sabala; and her sisters, Jeannie (Gene) Zeller, Geri (Bill) Hough, Pam Watson, and Janet Watson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fern and Francis Watson, and her oldest sister, Patricia, whom she never had the opportunity to meet in this life.

Linda will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her devotion to family, and the countless lives she brightened simply by being part of them.

Services will begin with the Rosary at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, with a luncheon afterward at St. Francis.

In remembrance of Linda’s incredible life, memorial contributions can be made to Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, Attn: Advancement, 8101 W. Central, Wichita, KS 67212 or Hospitality Apartments, P.O. Box 25213, Houston, TX 77265-5213.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.