Margaret Beth Lininger, 85, of New Market, Iowa, passed away surrounded by her loving family on October 6th, 2025. Born July 31, 1940, in her family home to Paul and Nina (Bach) Golding, Margaret was the third of the four “Golding Girls,” of whom all but perfected the “Mud Pie,” alongside her sisters Jean McDonald, Louise Abbott, and Phyllis Dimmitt. She grew up attending New Market School from kindergarten through her 1958 graduation and was an active member of the New Market Methodist Church. An athlete at heart, she earned a spot on the varsity basketball team while still in junior high.
On October 17, 1958, Margaret married her high school sweetheart, Gary Lininger, beginning a joyful 67-year marriage rooted in community and family. Together, they raised four children—LaDinah Lininger, Anita Whited, GayRea Mulkins (David), all of Clarinda, and the late Timothy Lininger (Michelle) of Elk Point, SD—just west of the school in the town they loved. Margaret’s life revolved around her family, and she found her greatest happiness as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Margaret’s grandchildren—Dru Williams (Brook), Eric Whited (Courtney), Katybeth Hall (Jesse), Garra Wilmes, Beau Williams (Christine), Cy Williams (Saje), Kane Lininger (Kamryn), and Nash Lininger (Emma)—and her nine great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She also leaves behind sisters-in-law Shirleanne Wagoner and Lavonne Lininger, and brothers-in-law Galen (Jackie) Lininger, Roger Lininger, and Bill Dimmitt.
Margaret dedicated her life to the New Market School District, serving as a school bus driver for 18 years, then working in the library, study hall, and playground. She also shared her love of cooking during her years at a local care center, delighting friends and family with her famous Ho-Ho bars, the only dessert to ever eluded Gary. On May 20, 2004, Margaret declared herself professionally retired and swore by that each and every day. She still collected school buses, bells and juicers as a reminder of her many years dedicated to the school. Known for her warmth, humor, and selfless generosity, Margaret considered every child she worked with an extension of her own family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant daughter; son, Timothy; sisters Jean, Louise, and Phyllis; her in-laws Lloyd and Nellie Lininger; and brothers-in-law Bill McDonald, Alan Abbott, and Martin Wagoner.
Margaret’s life was a testament to love, faith, and community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Graveside funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 10, 2025 at Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa. Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. to 7: 00 p.m., Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Nodaway Valley Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Margaret Lininger Memorial. Arrangements were entrusted to the Nodaway Valley Funeral Home of Clarinda.
