With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for her life, we announce the passing of our beloved mother/grandmother, Linda Jeanne Estes (age 78) who left this world on December 22, 2025 in Lee’s Summit, MO.

Linda was born on September 16, 1947 in Detroit, MI to the late Enid Grace (Sandy) Thompson and the late Darold Yates, who from the beginning carried a resilient strength and a generous spirit that stayed with her throughout her life. She built her life around love- love for her family, her home and the simple moments that mattered most.

Linda had a special way of showing love. She enjoyed helping others through her dedication as a school teacher and optimist club member. Many will remember her for her passion to serve and change the lives of others, especially children.

Family meant everything to her. She was blessed with two children: Sandy Deadmon (Trent) & Darold Estes (Lisa); 8 grandchildren: Brent Deadmon, Brian Deadmon (Jasmine), Lauren James (Brandon), Eddie Garvin (Kayla), Ashley Estes, Jessica Estes, Emily Estes, & Danni Estes; 14 great-grandchildren: Brennon, Jayel, Booker, & Judge Deadmon; Jaiden, Dawson, Landon, Dalton, & Andrew James; Nathan, Collin, Patrick, Kenneth, & Carma Garvin and Brother: Randal Yates (Becky) among other loved ones all of whom carry a piece of her with them. She was proceeded in death by the love of her life, Carter Marvin Estes; her parents Enid (Sandy) and Darold Yates; and brother, Wayne Yates and we find comfort in knowing she is reunited with them.

Though our hearts are broken, we find solace in knowing that her love did not end with her passing. It lives on in the lessons she taught, the kindness she modeled, and the love she planted in each of us. She shaped who we are and her legacy will continue through generations. May her soul rest in eternal peace and may her memory forever inspire us to embrace the qualities of kindness, compassion and dedicated service that she embodied throughout her extraordinary life.

A ceremony to honor and celebrate Linda’s remarkable life will take place on Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society located at 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64133, visitation at 10am with a service at 11am and graveside service to follow at Newcomer’s Floral Hills Cemetery, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133. The family requests you come casual as she would have preferred.

The family kindly requests that donations be made in memory of Linda Jeanne Estes to Lee’s Summit Animal Control, located at 1991 SE Hamblen Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64082. Your contribution will support an organization close to Linda’s heart, caring for animals that she loved so much.