GARFIELD — Linda Gayle Converse, 69, passed away November 22, 2011 at her home.
She was born Nov. 10, 1942 in Larned, the daughter of Leo and Elaine Williams Galliart.  A lifetime area resident she was a music teacher.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Garfield; The Larned Music Club, Rotary International, Larned, a member of the Chi Omega at University of Kansas. 
She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from University of Kansas and a master’s degree from Kansas State University. She played first chair trumpet in the KU Symphonic Orchestra and was the first female member of the KU Brass Choir.  She taught music in many schools in her 29 year teaching career. She raised all the bands to a 1 rating at the music contests every year except for one.  She played the organ at various churches and directed the choir at the Larned Methodist Church for a number of years.
On August 19, 1962 she married Kent Converse at Larned. He survives.
Other survivors include two sons; Dan Converse and wife Kim; and John Converse and Sheila; a daughter June Loomis and husband Scott, all of Larned; her mother, Elaine Giles, Larned; two sisters, Gay Sauer, Lawrence; and Merilee Hook, Wichita, six grandchildren, Jessica Loomis Calhoun and husband Andy, Glorieta, N.M.; Chandler Loomis, Wichita; Paul Wesley Converse, Savanna Converse,  Jaci Converse, and Ben Converse, all of Larned; three step-grandchildren, John Martin, Wyatt Davis and Wesley Davis, all of Larned; eight nieces, Michelle Sauer, Natalie Sauer, Lynne Sauer, Amanda Hook-Gonzales, Diane Gans, Denise Ruehlen, Donna Schmidt and Desni McGuire; and a nephew, James Hook.
She was preceded in death by; her father, Leo Galliart and a brother, Verle Galliart.
A funeral service is scheduled at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 25 at the Beckwith Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Irving Simon presiding. Visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Beckwith Mortuary.  Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice or the United Methodist Church, Garfield, both in care of the Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS, 67550.  Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary 
P.O. Box 477
Larned, KS 67550
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Nov. 23, 2011