Linda Diana Clay

Linda Clay, 61, of rural Putnam County, MO, passed away at the Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO, on Sunday, July 17, 2016, after a brief illness.

Linda Diana Clay was born in Des Moines, IA, on December 27, 1954, the daughter of Tom and Darlene (Stump) Walker, who preceded her in death. Linda grew up on farm around St. Charles, IA. She married Wilbur Clay in LaPlata, MO, on May 3, 1996, and he survives at home.

Linda and Wilbur lived briefly in LaPlata after they were married, but then moved to a farm in Putnam County. Linda was a CNA and worked at Twin Pines Care Center in Kirksville and later along the processing line at PSF in Milan. She later returned to Twin Pines until ill health caused her to resign. She was disabled for the past five years.

Linda loved to crochet and had made lap blankets and socks for the Wounded Warriors Battalions at Ft. Riley and Ft. Knox. She also made beanies for premature babies. She made floor rugs for the Title One reading program at the Putnam County school district. Linda was well known for helping others whenever she could. She was a lifetime member of the National Home Garden Club and loved to raise vegetables and flowers in her garden. Linda liked to dance and was a member of the pool playing league in Kirksville. She liked to fish and spend time with family and friends.

In addition to her husband, Linda’s survivors include two daughters, Jody (Donald) Dicks of Des Moines, IA, and Deadra (Dewey) Lane of Greenfield, IA; two step-daughters, Vicky (William) Martin of Moberly, MO, and Cheryl (David) Robinson of Novinger, MO; a grandchild, Chyna Lane, four step-grandchildren, Lee Martin, Clay McClanahan, Micheal Robinson, and Sasha Robinson; and three step-great grandchildren, Sydney Robinson, Tyler Robinson, and Harper Murphy. Linda is also survived by three brothers, John (Sharon) Walker and Tom (Lynne) Walker all of St. Charles, IA, and Don (Melissa) Walker of Peru, IA; and by five sisters, Sandra (Wyman) Bush of Winterset, IA, Connie (Tom) Thomas of Des Moines, IA, Carmen (Steve) Maxwell of St. Charles, IA, Shelly (Rod) McCullaugh of Leon, IA, and Amy (Terry) Dalton of Osceola, IA. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Linda Clay will be at Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 22, 2016, with visitation the same day as the service beginning at 12:30 PM. Interment will be at the Lipp Cemetery in rural Putnam County, MO.

Memorials are suggested to assist with funeral expenses or to the Lipp Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th, Unionville, MO 63565.