Linda Kay Gaines

Linda Kay Gaines, age 82, of Shelbyville, Missouri, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal, Missouri.

Born on July 29, 1943, in Peoria, Illinois, Linda was the daughter of Daniel Owen and Vera LaVern (Lindsey) Patterson. She married Robert Kent Gaines on February 17, 1962, at the Berea Christian Church near Kellerville, Missouri. He survives her.

Linda is also survived by her three children, Mark Gaines (Mellany) of Palmyra, Missouri, Kent Gaines of Shelbyville, Missouri, and Kathy Watkins (John) of Shelbina, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Austin Gaines, Callie Watkins, Leah Snider (Brant), Carson Watkins, Chase Gaines (Stephanie), Logan Gaines, and Chelsey Mudd (Jack); six great-grandchildren, Sage and Bow Snider, Marcus, Hazel, and Liam Gaines, and Baker Mudd; her brother, Dan Patterson (Dorothy) of Forest Lake, Minnesota; three brothers-in-law, Don Kingsley, Jimmy Gaines (Phyllis), and Larry Cooper; two sisters-in-law, Jo Anne Thrasher and Shirley Gaines; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A lifelong woman of deep faith, Linda was a devoted member of Shelbyville Christian Church, where she taught Bible study and after-school youth programs. She spent many years as a cook at North Shelby School and found great joy in sewing, crocheting, quilting, and upholstery work. Above all, she cherished her family and created lasting memories traveling across the United States with her husband Bobby, including special trips to Alaska and the Outer Banks, as well as camping adventures with her cousin Patsy and husband Jim Mettes. Selfless, caring, and giving, Linda lived each day guided by her faith in God and her profound love for those around her.