Barbara “Tutu” Ann Linnell, age 84, of Belton, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024.
Services will be held at Cullen Funeral Home, 612 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, on Thursday, Feb. 15. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. followed by a celebration of Tutu’s life at 6 p.m.
Tutu was born in Kansas City, Mo., on July 21, 1939, to Joseph and Judy (Brelsford) Watson.
She graduated high school and for many years, even until her 80th birthday, worked as a sales representative for AVON cosmetics. Tutu never felt the need to retire because of her passion for work and the friendships she had made over the years. She was actually in the President's Club for many years as her sales were so high, gifting her with various vacations including Alaska and Hawaii. Tutu spent most of her career in the Belton area where she became very well known.
Tutu’s family would tell you that she could not stay put even up to the end. She was always involving herself in family activities, Zumba classes at the Belton Community Center, CrossRoads United Methodist Church, and especially involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s activities such as horse shows, dance lessons, and just being present in their lives.
Also, cats have always had such a warm place in Tutu’s heart as she would care for them often and even fostered a few in her home. She was also very well known for volunteering at various events and day to day responsibilities wherever needed with Cass Regional Medical Center where she was a member of the Auxiliary Board.
Tutu was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Judy Watson; previous husband William “Joney” Lee Hoyle; brother Joey Watson; and current husband, Richard Linn Linnell.
Here cherishing her memory are her two daughters, Terry Johns (Dan) and Cindy Dill; three granddaughters, Sheena Johns, Stephanie Salinas (Dave), and Heather Johns; and six great grandchildren, Taylor Dimmick, David Salinas Jr., Dylan Mahurin, Dominic Salinas, Damian Salinas, and Destiny Salinas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Cass Regional Medical Center foundation for benefit of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department. These donations may be made online at www.cassregional.org/forms/make-a-donation/
Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home
Raymore, Missouri 816-322-5278
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