Linda Kay Gerding

Linda Kay Gerding (nee Smith) of St. Charles, MO, was born May 28, 1958, in Tulsa, OK. She passed away at the age of 67 on January 29, 2026. Linda was the beloved wife of 36 years to Edward Gerding; devoted mother to Ashton (Nicholas) Speno and Callie (Joseph) Bauer; doting grandma to Leonardo and Edward Speno, and Blake, Cole, and Myles Bauer; dear sister of Robert Smith, Mariellen (Matt) Gillespie and Wade Smith; and treasured aunt, cousin, and friend to many others.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, James Castleberry, Frederick Smith, and Helen Smith.

Linda enjoyed travel, history, sports, classic rock 'n roll, and good food. Linda saved for and took a several week-long trip to Europe when she was in college. After she married Ed, together they took trips to Israel, Jordan, Japan, Alaska, Canada, the Caribbean, and much of the U.S. Charleston, SC was special to her as Linda and Ed relocated there in 2015 - 2016 and had an amazing time, between the warm weather, the beach, the history, and the food. Israel was also special to Linda, as that is where Linda and Ed became engaged, and they went back for their 25th anniversary. Linda also enjoyed going on drives on the Great River Road, to enjoy the scenery and to spot wildlife. In fact, a big part of trips to National Parks such as Yellowstone, Glacier, Denali, Everglades, and Acadia was spent appreciating the animals and nature.

A long-time OU Sooner fan, Linda quickly adapted to St. Louis and became a big fan of the Cardinals, Blues, and Rams (at least until they left). She always felt fortunate to have attended Super Bowl 34 in 2000 and the game-clincher of the 2006 World Series. Her favorite rock band was the Rolling Stones, and she and Ed saw them many times. They also went out of town to see Aerosmith and Eric Clapton, plus attended many concerts at Riverport Amphitheater.

Linda also had a love of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing products, and she worked as an office administrator, assembly mechanic, and manufacturing planner at that company. Her favorite airplane was the F-15, and she would talk excitedly about the time she sat in the cockpit of an F-15 when it was going through engine runs in one of the hush houses. To her, that was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Above all, Linda cherished her family. She was incredibly proud of her daughters, and she loved to brag that both had earned doctorate degrees and were successful professionals. Linda was also very happy that both daughters had married outstanding men that she welcomed into our family. The five grandsons were the absolute joy of her life. For many years, Linda enjoyed hosting both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner at our house and appreciated the opportunity to break bread with family.

Linda shined her brightest when she was caring for others. Whether it was cleaning elderly family members' homes, supporting her girls in their various extracurricular activities, organizing a donation drive for the Oklahoma bombing victims, or spending hours on the phone with family members across the country to help them navigate life, Linda was a deeply caring person who advocated fiercely for the people she loved.

 There will be a celebration of life at Linda and Ed's home following the service. All are welcome to attend.

A strong patriot, Linda was a staunch supporter of the military. As such, memorials may be made in Linda's name to the Wounded Warrior Project.