Linda Sussan Etzel, age 72, longtime resident of Tonkawa, Oklahoma, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2019.

A traditional Tonkawa Tribal Funeral will commence with a feast at 12pm and funeral ceremony following on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at the Tonkawa Tribal Gymnasium with her brother Don Patterson officiating. Following the ceremony, Linda will be laid to rest at the Tonkawa Tribal Cemetery in Tonkawa, Oklahoma.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Tonkawa.

Linda was born on March 31, 1947 to William M. and Elnora (Martin) Patterson in Blackwell, OK. Linda was raised in Tonkawa, attending school there. After school, she moved to Wichita then later returned to the reservation. Upon her return to Tonkawa, Linda began working at Willow Haven nursing home as a dietary aide, medicine aide, and cook.

She loved spending time with the elderly and hearing their stories. As well, Linda was proud of her ancestral heritage with the Tonkawa Tribe and especially enjoyed attending Pow-wows. Cooking was a passion of Linda’s and many enjoyed her baking along the way. Her spry wit and ornery nature will leave many missing her in their life.

Survivors include her daughter Paula Collins of Ponca City, cherished grandchildren: Billy Taylor and wife Clarissa of Ponca City, Sierra Collins and partner Brandon Carlisle of Ponca City; brother Don Patterson of Tonkawa; great grandchildren: Phoenix Taylor, Kyler Whicker and Lexton Carlisle, nieces and nephews: Donald Gonzalez & wife Christie and children Zane & Emily Gonzalez, Terry Allen, Brenda Warrior, Henry Patterson, Ames Warrior, Shane Gonzalez & Marshall Collins and many other beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Lanora Wagner, sisters Barbara Allen and Joyce Gonzalez. as well as her niece Melinda Gonzalez.

Casketbearers will be Billy Taylor, Shane Gonzalez, Kevin Collins, Brandon Carlisle, Henry Patterson, and Chucky Robbins. Honorary Casketbearers will be Terry Allen, Donald Gonzalez, Ames Warrior, Phoenix Taylor, Kyler Whicker, and Lexton Carlisle. paid obituary