Linda A. McCarty

Linda Ann Morris-McCarty, lovingly known to many as “G-MA,” was born June 30, 1947, in Granger, Missouri, to William and Clella (Thoman) Morris. Linda passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by those she loved, on September 14, 2026, at 6:40 p.m. She was 79 years old. A service celebrating her life will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA with Wendy Ward officiating. Cremation will take place following the service with burial in the Bonaparte Cemetery at a later date. A visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the funeral home and will last until the time of service. Friends are invited to the Bonapart Elementary School for a celebration of life with food provided immediately following the service. Memorial contributions in Linda’s honor may be directed to the Bonaparte EMS and mailed to P.O. Box 185, Bonaparte, IA 52560. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Linda was a devoted member of the Methodist faith, and throughout her life, she demonstrated that faith through her kindness, generosity, and service to others. At the age of two, Linda moved to Bonaparte, Iowa, where she attended Harmony Community Schools. Bonaparte would become much more than the place she lived—it became the community she loved and proudly called home for the rest of her life. Linda met the love of her life, Richard Glenn McCarty, and the two were married on December 24, 1970. Together, they made Bonaparte their forever home.

Linda’s passion for Bonaparte and its people was undeniable. She generously gave her time, energy, and heart to numerous local organizations and causes throughout the years, including the Kids Activity Committee, Night Watch, Bonaparte Indians, TOPS, Main Street Committee, the food pantry, and the Bonaparte City Council. Her greatest joy was often found in bringing happiness to the children of her community. On many occasions, Linda and Trudy used their own money to help fund the Easter egg hunt, Santa in Bonaparte, and the kids’ hot dog roast simply because she wanted to see children smile.

Linda was immensely proud to call Bonaparte her home. After many years of community involvement and public service, she proudly served the town she loved as its mayor. Linda worked at Riverside Plastics, Inc. for 38 years. Following her retirement, she worked at Simply Irresistible and Waterfront Place Antiques until her health no longer allowed her to continue. To those who knew her as G-MA, Linda never met a stranger. Her door and her heart were always open, and she welcomed people into her home with a smile. Her love for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, adopted children, and the many others who became part of her extended family was immeasurable.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, William and Clella Morris; her beloved husband, Richard Glenn McCarty; her brother, Charles Morris; her grandson, Robert Alan McCarty; her great-grandson, Jackson Robert McCarty; and a great-granddaughter.

Left to honor and cherish Linda’s memory are her brothers, Gary (Kathy) Morris and Gene (Lorene) Morris; and her sister, Candance Morris.

She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Robert (Candie) Ehret, Kelly Ehret, Rick (Sierra) McCarty, Richard (Cady) McCarty, and Renny McCarty; and her great-grandchildren, Clinton (Lynsey) McCarty, Austin McCarty, Sunny Merrill, Sydney Ehret, Rae Ehret, Skyler Gonterman, Mallory Gonterman, Kolby and Kobain McCarty, Madilyn and Ellie McCarty, Aubrey and Conrad McCarty, Kinley and Lincoln McCarty, Abel McCarty and Lakelyn McCarty; Linda’s step children, Robert McCarty and Cindy (Bill) Chambers.

Linda is also survived by her nephew, Geoff (Libby) Morris; her niece, Evelyn Morris; and many extended family members and honorary family members who were blessed to call her “G-MA.”

A special place in Linda’s heart belonged to Holly Richardson.

Linda also wanted a loving acknowledgment made to her dear friends Jan Mayo, Judy Siverly, Trudy Workman, and Sherry Christy. Their friendship meant more to her than words could express.

Linda’s life was one of family, friendship, generosity, faith, and service. She loved Bonaparte, but even more than the town itself, she loved its people. Her greatest legacy can be found in the countless lives she touched, the children she made smile, the people she welcomed into her home, and the family. Both by blood and by choice, who knew and loved her as G-MA.

Bonaparte was Linda’s home, but its people were her family. And to so many, she will always simply be G-MA.

“Boys be good” - G-MA.