Linda C. Steele-Long, age 73, of St. Joseph, Missouri, died Saturday, January 8, 2021 at the Amberwell Atchison Hospital. 

Linda’s wishes were to bequeath her body to the Anatomical Sciences School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri. No services are scheduled at this time. The Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements. Memorial contributions are suggested to assist with expenses and may be left in care of the funeral home.

She was born on March 2, 1947, in Atchison, Kansas, the daughter of Harry “Paul” and Marjorie (Hilton) Steele. She graduated in 1965 from Atchison High School. 

Linda was a defender of the defenseless, and her life’s passion was serving others in their most troublesome times. Loved ones, neighbors, strangers or pets-she stood as their advocate or was always there to lend an ear. She served with the Red Cross for many years, ER Angel at Heartland Hospital, Missing & Endangered Children, Women’s Shelter, Friends of the Shelter, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

She was the mother of three children, Robert Gilliland, Atchison, KS; Michael Gilliland, St. Joseph, MO; Tamara (Tyler) Justice, St. Joseph, MO. She was also “Mom” to most of her children’s friends because she loved them as her own, always checking up on them and they also checked up on her until the end. 

She had six grandchildren, Dusty Rush, Troy, KS; Dillon Rush, St. Joseph, MO; Alexis Ozment, Oklahoma City, OK; Hailey Gilliland, Oklahoma City, OK, Sabrina Justice, St. Joseph, MO and Kali Justice, St. Joseph, MO. She had one great granddaughter, Kaydence Rush, Troy, KS.

She also had many cousins and eight nephews and nieces.

It would be difficult to find a more passionate and vocal fan of the KC Chiefs and Missouri Tigers. She could be heard more than a block away during and Chiefs game, screaming, “Touchdown!!”

2020 was a challenging year but was the happiest of times for Linda because her children were close by and they were all together for the holidays. She had time with each of her grandchildren, and the Chiefs won the Superbowl. Although her bucket list was extensive, time with family was the most important. 

Any donations will be to cover final funeral expenses and then donated to charity.