LINDA JOAN HOSTETTER
Linda Joan Hostetter, 78, of Gladstone, Missouri, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, peacefully at her home in Gladstone Missouri.
Linda was born on April 30, 1947, in Trenton Missouri, to Dale and Mildred (High) Smith of Harris, Missouri.
On April 2, 1966, she married Larry Dean Hostetter of Harris and to this union two daughters were born.
She is survived by her two daughters; Tracy Sloan and Wendy (Mac) Williams all of Gladstone, five grandchildren; Travis (Sami) Hostetter, Mikayla Williams, Gabrielle Williams, Tyree Hostetter and Mason Sloan, two great grandchildren; Isabela and Travis Hostetter Jr; brothers Randy (Debbie) Smith and Ronnie Smith, sister-in-law Jean Kunkel. Nieces and nephews Paula McCoy, Scott Walker, Lori Martin, Heather Dinges, Chris Stephens, Stacie Schlecht, Brad Smith, Brett Smith and many great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Larry Hostetter, parents, Dale and Mildred Smith, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Donnie and Peggy Stephens, son-in-law Kevin Sloan and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Linda graduated from Newtown-Harris High School in 1965. She grew up on the family farm near Harris, Missouri, and spent her life in both Harris and Gladstone, Missouri, working at Hallmark Cards and Kansas City Life before welcoming their second daughter, Wendy. Above all, Linda devoted herself to her family, spending most of her life as a homemaker and nurturing, supportive mother—not only to her two daughters but also to her dearly loved nieces and nephews.
Linda’s kindness touched everyone around her. She was the heart of the family, always ready with a gentle word, a listening ear, and open arms. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she cherished with boundless and unconditional love. She created a warm and welcoming home where friends, family, and neighbors found comfort, encouragement, and endless compassion. Linda’s generosity extended beyond words— she expressed her love through countless delicious home-cooked meals and baked treats, always made with care. Family and friends were often recipients of her culinary talents, and her kitchen was a place of laughter, stories, and togetherness.
Some of Linda’s fondest memories were the adventures she shared with her beloved husband Larry, their children, and especially vacations to Colorado and trips to Arizona to visit family. She found joy in making memories together, always putting others’ happiness before her own. To those who knew her, Linda was a source of unwavering support and genuine kindness. Her legacy is one of love, warmth, and caring life beautifully lived, and deeply cherished by all who had the privilege to know her.
Funeral services for Linda will be held at 11:00am, Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Ruschmeier- Smith Funeral Home in Milan, Missouri. Burial will follow at Judson Cemetery in Harris. A visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 6-8:00pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Judson Cemetery.
