Celebration of life planning is underway for Linda Kay Kelley, Age 71 of Sparta, Missouri. Cremation services are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Linda Kay Kelley, who passed peacefully on the evening of July 30, 2025, at the age of 71. She was surrounded by those who loved her most, just as she had spent her life surrounding others with her love. Born on April 18, 1954, to Eugene and Joanna Buchanan. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Judy Roderick, and today we find comfort in knowing they are joyfully reunited.
She is survived by two loving brothers, Jerry Buchanan and his wife Rhonda of Mansfield, and David Stout and his wife Michele of Ava. Most deeply, she is mourned by her family, husband Bill Kelley of Mansfield, her devoted partner in life. Together, they built a beautiful family. She was the proud and loving mother of Dana Kelley and her partner Wayne Williams of Ava, Kathy Bradshaw and her husband Rusty of Norwood, Amy Kelley of Ava, Jacob Kelley of Ava, and Jessica Davidson and her husband Jerry of Ava, and step-son John Matney of Mansfield.
Her legacy continues in her many grandchildren—Brittany Westpheling and her partner Chris Deatherage of Sparta, Emily Bradshaw of Norwood, Taylor Bradshaw of Norwood, Hayden Scott and partner Kylee of Texas, Harley Davidson, Jared Davidson, Jayden Kelley, Kylee Bradshaw, Abagail Davidson, Braxton Bradshaw, Izzabella Davidson, Greyson Bradshaw, Alyssa Downs and husband, J.J., Taylor Matney and wife Adrain, Emma Matney, Zaven Thulin and wife Jamisen—her great grandchildren Jaelynn Maggard, Weston Deatherage, Fisher Bradshaw, Athena Deatherage, Emery Downs, Tyler Downs, Carter Downs, Beaux Downs, Rylan Matney, Grayson Matney, Theodore Thulin, Nora Thulin, and Nolyn Thulin-many nieces and nephews including a special nephew Michael Stout-as well as many other family and friends. She was many things—a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a friend. To her family, she was so much more than a list of names. She was the heart of it all. Her nurturing spirit knew no bounds, and she showed unwavering support through every success, setback, joy, and sorrow.
She had a way of making each person in her life feel seen, valued, and loved. She celebrated our victories and lifted us through life’s hardest moments. Her creativity was a gift to all who knew her. She had an incredible talent for taking what others saw as junk and turning it into something beautiful—something with purpose and a story. Whether it was a yard sale find or an old forgotten trinket, Mom could see what it could become. Her home was filled with these treasures, each one a reflection of her eye for beauty and her love for making things special. She loved yard sales, books, crafting, family gatherings, and attending events, big or small, that involved someone she loved. From sporting events to milestone celebrations, if you had something important happening, you could find her there either physically or in spirit— smiling, cheering, and proud. She accepted Christ at a young age, and her faith was a quiet but constant force in her life. She modeled grace, kindness, and resilience every day.
For over 35 years, she worked diligently at Emerson/Copeland in Ava, and she remained a proud graduate of Ava High School’s Class of 1972. While today we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the incredible life she lived and the deep, lasting impact she had on us all. Her love is woven into our memories and continues to live on through the stories we tell, the values we carry, and the love we give to others. Rest peacefully, Mom. You will always be with us—in every act of kindness, every family celebration, every craft created from the heart, and every moment we need your strength. You were, and always will be, the heart of our family.
A celebration of life for Linda will be by the family at a later date and time. Cremation services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO. On line condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.
