Linda Marie Campbell

Linda Marie Campbell (Malott), 73, passed away peacefully at St. Luke's Hospice House in Kansas City with her beloved daughter at her side after a brief battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, her newborn son John, nephew Michael, and sister Anita. Her survivors include her daughter Stephanie Campbell Yount and her best buddy, son-in-law Kent, the bonus boys that made her a grandma, Kallen and Kasen Yount, all of Maryville, MO; her co-parent, friend, and ex-husband Steve Campbell, of Warsaw, MO; sister Sharon (Ron) Thomas of Independence, MO; twin sister Brenda Malott, niece Kristol Malott, both of Kansas City, MO; and niece Ginger Keown.

Linda was born January 19, 1950 to William and Juanita Malott in Bristow, Oklahoma. She was just 30 minutes older than her twin sister and best friend Brenda, and they spent the entirety of their lives at one another's side. Her father was a millwright who's work took the family to various jobs all over the country and she attended more schools than she could recall, until the family settled for good in Independence, MO. She graduated from Fort Osage High School in 1967, having been a varsity cheerleader and typing champion. She could still do a back flip well into her thirties.

In 1976, Linda married Steve Campbell, who was a millwright like her father. Together they had a son, John Frank, who passed away at just two days old, and a daughter Stephanie Lynn. Although they divorced after a few short years, they remained lifelong friends, always presenting a united and loving front for their daughter. Indeed, Steve was one of Linda's very best friends for the remainder of her life.

Linda's career was inspired by the sense of adventure her childhood sowed, and she traveled the world while working in the incentive travel industry. From nearly all fifty states to Hong Kong, Ireland, Australia, and so many places in between, Linda saw the world. In her later years, she joined Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance as an assistant to her dear friend Nancy Adams, and later, after her move to Maryville, to her son-in-law Kent. She retired from Kent's office and enjoyed not having an alarm clock. Although she really missed giving Kent a hard time on the daily.

Linda was a tough woman, a prototypical middle child, and a great and loyal friend. She had an easy sense of humor, could laugh at herself, and was incredibly full of sass. She gave the best advice, and was a fierce protector of those she loved. She spent her life devoted to family, and especially to her only daughter, Stephanie. Whether it was while riding horses or playing softball and even in recent years as she because a stepmother and businessowner, Linda was her daughter's biggest fan and cheerleader.

Linda loved animals, and she held a special place in her heart for all of her many pets - dogs, cats, and horses too! After moving to Marvyille to be near her daughter, she joined a bowling league and made several new friends. Of course she said YES when they asked her to travel to bowling tournaments! Linda was an avid sports fan, and especially loved the Chiefs, the Royals, and KU basketball.

Linda absolutely hated cold weather, so the family will hold a Celebration of Life in her honor in the Spring.