Linda Kay (Ryan) Stephens

Linda Kay (Ryan) Stephens of Adrian, Missouri was born January 25, 1947, the daughter of Robert Ryan & Lillian (Gustine) Ryan in Kansas City, MO. She attended the Lone Tree one-room schoolhouse in Harrisonville, MO. She spent all her childhood years at the farm in this area. She started high school in Archie Mo, where she graduated in 1965 as the Salutatorian of her class. She married David Shipley in 1966 and to this union 2 children were born: Heather Linn (Shipley) Cumpton and Shawn Lee Shipley. 

She was a homemaker for several years. She took great pride in taking care of her children, cooking, baking for her family, and playing the piano. Her family never did without, as she made sure they were always very well taken care of. 

In 1994, she married Howard Stephens, and moved to Adrian Mo, where she loved working at Willow Creek Group Home as a house manager who cared for ladies with disabilities. She formed lifelong friendships with the ladies. While she loved to work at the Group Home, her favorite job title was “Grandma.” She was a caring and loving grandmother who was dedicated to supporting her grandkids. She made time for weekly breakfasts and baking lessons with her granddaughters. Decorating for Christmas and baking desserts to share with others was one of her favorite yearly traditions. She was a very festive lady whose signature laugh was contagious to those around her. She loved Rock and Roll music, playing slots at the casino, and cheering on Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. She couldn’t pass up an open microphone or piano without taking her turn to play and sing along. Her world famous sugar cookies were the most popular item at the Adrian High School Bake Sales. 

Linda would tell you she liked to keep her circle small with only a few people, but she was loved by all who knew her. Even though she was more quiet and reserved, those who truly knew her would tell you she had the most selfless, caring soul a person can have.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her children Heather and her husband Michael, Dayton MO, and Shawn and his wife Amy, Adrian MO, her 4 granddaughters: Taylor and her husband Taylor, Jordan, Lauren, and Jenna, and one great granddaughter, Parker.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with internment at Dayton Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.