She grew up on the Hearting family farm in Rockville, learning to care for the animals and developing excellent gardening skills and could always be found helping her mom cook the family meals. She attended school in Appleton City then worked at Appleton City Manor where she attained her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. She worked for many years in the nursing profession in Appleton City, Humansville, and Hermitage.
In 1988 she met Douglas Kennedy, and they were married on March 2, 1990, in Wheatland. Doug worked in the Kansas City area and Linda would visit on weekends when schedules allowed. Between working and caring for the farm and the cattle herd.
Later, she enjoyed traveling with the “ladies’ group” who took yearly trips – one of her favorites being Alaska. She was also a member of the local “Red-Hatters”. In the early 2000’s she and Doug moved back to Rockville where Linda helped with her mother who was experiencing declining health. Faith was always an important component in Linda’s life, being a lifelong member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton City where she regularly sang with the choir and was active in the church’s LWML and Ladies Aide.
Survivors include her husband Doug of the home; two children, Tina Mitchel (Sam Hood); and Michael Shepard; one sister, Elsie Berland (Larry); grandchildren, Tony Davis, Nickolas Mitchel, and Sara Green (Brian); great-grandchildren, Ian Davis, Brilyn Green, and Ellie Green: nephews, Matthew Pippenger, Lucas Pippenger, and Evan Pippenger, and her father-in-law, George R. Kennedy. Linda was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Norma Kennedy; step mother-in-law, Gwen Kennedy; and a great-grandson, Owen Davis.
Burial at Appleton City Cemetery, Appleton City, Mo.
MEMORIAL: American Heart Association
