Linda Jean Nelson, 81, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away January 16.

She was born on January 12, 1941, to John and Mary Jane Baker, in New Castle, Indiana. She married Terrance Eugene Nelson on October 22, 1960, a marriage that lasted 61 adventuresome years.

She was an employee of the Jones Store for many years after moving to the Kansas City area from Racine, Wisconsin. She then transitioned to New Mark Middle School where she shared her gifts with special education students. While gainfully employed she simultaneously raised her son and two daughters. She loved travelling the world, was meticulous with her garden and never missed a sports pool opportunity.

After retirement, she volunteered at the ReSale Shop in Gladstone, MO, and continued to hone her Bridge game. She was incredibly photogenic, a great cook and the good-natured brunt of many a practical joke. To be sure, she could give as well as take.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Linda is survived by her husband and siblings, Joy Golison of Palm Desert, CA; Kathy (Dan) Blanke of Crystal Lake, WI; Eric (Cynthia) Baker of Albion, WI and Steve (Joey) Baker of Paramount, CA. She leaves behind her three loving children, Kelly (Bob) Martin and Stephanie (Kirk) Ward of Liberty, MO and Doug (Joanne) Nelson of Columbia, MO.  She adored her nine grandchildren: Trey (Afton) Nelson, Alex (Kelsey) Martin, Paige Nelson, Kyle Martin, Sean Fender, Cole Nelson, Jack Martin, Josh Fender and Luke Ward, who all also survive her.

Join the family in celebrating Linda’s life with a visitation from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Sunday, February 6, followed by a short memorial service at 3:30 p.m. at iWerx, 1520 Clay Street, North Kansas City, MO 64116.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Linda’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation, parkinson.org.