Linda Lou Isbell Clevenger

Linda Lou Isbell Clevenger, age 80, slipped away from this world, and ascended to her heavenly home at 7:40 am on Sunday February 18, 2018. She leaves behind a house filled with a stash of her family’s favorite treats, incredibly comfortable beds and couches, a frequently used swimming pool and an infamous hallway filled with photographs of her family that are evidence of a well-lived life. Along with those material things, Linda leaves a legacy of acceptance, giving, love, laughter, friends and family. Linda never saw a horse she didn’t want to brush or a baby she didn’t want to hold.  While Heaven surely celebrates her homecoming, those left behind mourn Linda’s passing and can only hope to follow her example of hospitality to all.

Linda was born with a servant’s heart on September 4, 1937 in Kennett, Missouri. She spent her entire life helping and caring for others. This caretaking included family, friends, children and babies both human and animal. Through the years Linda worked a variety of jobs to help support her family. Her favorite of those was caring for children. Many of her “babies” from other mothers are now grown and fondly recall the time they spent with “Grammie Linda”.

Besides being generous and giving, Linda was funny, feisty and fierce. She enjoyed many things including a good fish fry, anything chocolate, watching her grandchildren swim in the pool, reading mystery and suspense novels, dancing, entertaining, horses and dogs. Linda was quick-witted, with blue eyes that could light up any room. Those blue eyes and her sense of humor immediately caught Bill Clevenger’s attention back in 1956. Bill started a job in the pharmacy at McGhee’s Drug Store after returning from serving in the Navy during the Korean War.  Linda was working at the soda fountain and they immediately became friends. Months later, they began dating, married and moved to St. Louis where Bill studied and graduated from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy.

Linda married Bill in a civil ceremony on August 5, 1957. The couple were together for 60 years and 6 months, but they did not have an actual wedding ceremony until August of 2017 which was a gift from their children for their 60 ^th wedding anniversary. Their anniversary wedding was a joyous event attended by many friends and family.  It’s said that “In life it’s not where you go, but who you travel with.” Linda traveled through her life with many beloved companions; many of those are listed here.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia and JB (Jack) Charlton and Clyde Walter Isbell.

Linda is survived by her husband, Bill Clevenger; brothers Jerry Paul Isbell of O’Fallon, MO, Curt Isbell of Edwardsville, IL and her “sisters” (actually cousins) Dona Ritter of Twin Falls, ID and Melba Vallas of Phoenix, AZ.

She leaves behind her children, Guy Clevenger (Lisa) of Castleton-on-the-Hudson, NY; Melanie Steward (Keith) of Huntsville, AL; Jay Clevenger of Jonesboro, AR; her grandchildren Gabriel Clevenger (Rachael) of Colonie, NY; Rachel Bullard of Kennett, MO; Aja Freling (Chad) of West Palm Beach, FL; Seth Clevenger and Al Clevenger of Jonesboro, AR; Payton Steward, Lauren Ingrum (Jay) and Kinsley Steward of the Huntsville, AL area; honorary neighbor grandchild Jacob Deck of Kennett, MO; great grandchildren Aria Clevenger, Colonie, NY and Cayden Freling, West Palm Beach, FL.  Linda also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive guests on Saturday February 24, 2018 at The Bridge Church, 14763 Josephine Drive in Kennett, MO from 10 am to 11 am.  Pastor Wayland Tom of The Bridge Church will officiate a memorial service immediately following at 11 am.

Linda would not want us to be sad about her passing, instead she would want us to rejoice in a happy life shared in service to others. Carry her in your heart by taking a lot of pride in, and pictures of your family while being as kind to others, as she was. “We rise by lifting others.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to The Bridge Church, P.O. Box 469, Kennett, MO 63857.

“Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” ( English Standard Version Proverbs 31:28)