Linda Kay Hays (Blevins) Stewart

Linda Kay Hays (Blevins) Stewart, 82, of Independence, MO, passed away on January 25, 2021 in Hallsville, MO after having spent most of 2020 residing with and being cared for by her children and grandchildren.

Linda was born on January 20, 1939 in Independence, MO to Harry F. Hays, Sr. and Rachel Mae (LaRose) Hays. She graduated from William Chrisman High School in the class of 1957 and went on to study at Kansas City University, which later merged with the University of MO system.

Linda married Albert L. Blevins on July 4, 1959 and to this union was born a son David and a daughter Laurie. Linda enjoyed being a homemaker while her children were young, but later enjoyed her career as a real estate agent, making many dear friends and colleagues along the way.

She was a woman of abiding faith and a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church. Linda was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution since 1996. She was the State Chairman of the DAR Lewis and Clark Bicentennial celebration in 2004, and received a prestigious award for her excellent work executing that year long celebration. She also held several positions in the Independence Pioneers DAR Chapter, including 2nd Vice Regent, Custodian of Flags, Membership Chair, and Americanism Chair. Alongside her many DAR duties, Linda supported and mentored many new members over her many years of participation. She was also very involved in the Truman Library Institute, the Mary Paxton Study Club, and completed the Menninger Bible Class twice.

In 1983, she married Robert “Bob” Stewart; he preceded her in death in 2007. Linda loved history, and upon Bob’s passing Linda generously donated some of his personal belongings to the MO Korean War Veterans Memorial, as he was a Korean War veteran, as well as a Special Agent of the US Secret Service. Linda devoted hours researching her ancestry and genealogy, and even had the opportunity to visit her family roots in Ireland in 1996.

Some of Linda’s happiest moments centered around her role as “Grammy” and spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren. Linda was a prolific reader who also liked to crochet, and passed those loves on to her two granddaughters. She also dearly loved flowers and enjoyed learning the art of watercolors as another way of enjoying nature and sharing its beauty.

Linda died a child of God and was so loved by her family. She is survived by her son David L. Blevins (wife Susan C. Blevins) of St. Louis, MO, her daughter Laurie Blevins Fowler, M.D. of Hallsville, MO; granddaughters Olivia Fowler and Isabelle Blevins, grandsons Daniel Blevins and Harrison Fowler, brother Douglas Hays (wife Carolyn Hays), step-brother Kenneth Hirst (wife Rose Hirst), a niece, Claudia Hays, and many extended family and dear friends.

In addition to her husband Bob, she was also preceded in death by her parents Harry Hays Sr. and Rachel Hirst, brother Harry F. Hays, Jr., stepmother Allene Hays, stepfather Alma Hirst, and nephew Dennis Hays.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021, from 6-8pm, with funeral service to follow on Saturday, February 6, at 10am, both at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. in Independence. Due to county restrictions, seating capacity is limited. Interment will follow in Floral Hills Cemetery.

In her honor, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Independence Pioneers Chapter of the DAR, Truman Library Institute or to the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial .