Linda Kay (Longwell) Speaker passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on February 10, 2026. She was born October 7, 1947 to Sherman Melvin and Veda Jane (Cowan) Longwell in Chillicothe, Missouri. Linda Kay married Jeffrey Lee Speaker on September 28, 1968. They were married 57 years.
Linda Kay graduated from Southwest High School in Mooresville, Missouri and went on to earn her Registered Nursing degree from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in St. Joseph, Missouri. She diligently worked at the Methodist Hospital, Specialists of Internal Medicine, Caregivers and St. Luke’s – Barry Road, touching countless lives and inspiring the next generations in her own family to pursue careers in medicine.
Linda Kay was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Virginia Cundiff; brothers, Rodney, Richard and John Thomas Longwell. Survivors include her husband of the home, Jeff; children, Jane Anne Bell and husband, Brad of Gallatin, Brian Speaker and wife Shanon of Liberty and David Speaker of Gladstone; grandchildren, Ethan Thompson, Abby Daffron, Olivia Speaker, Will Speaker, Ethan Bell and wife Andrea; a great-grandchild, Stetson Bell; sister-in-law, Aloha Longwell; nieces, nephews and other extended family members and many friends also survive.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Lake Viking Church or Comfort Care Hospice, in care of the funeral home. A graveside service for her immediate family will be at Lake Viking Cemetery, Gallatin, MO. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin (660) 663-2117. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
