Linda S. Kurtz was born in Chico, CA to Deane and Ila (Winters) Kurtz, the middle of three children. She passed away at the age of 76 in Springfield, MO on November 12th, 2018 due to cardiac problems.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Earl (Skip) Kurtz and Michael Kurtz.

Linda leaves behind her son, Alex Campbell and daughter and son-in-law Deana and Joseph Carroll. She also leaves her grandchildren Hannah Carroll, partner Derek Houston, and honorary great-grandson Mason Houston; Gabriel Carroll and wife Julia; and William Carroll, wife Mayah, and their son, her great-grandson Terrance. She will be missed by her longtime partner John Holt and their beloved dog, Lucy.

Hers was a life well lived and she was at the center of a tight-knit family. Her loved ones joyfully celebrate her fierce independence, humor, determination, and strength. She was a licensed clinical social worker who counseled foster children and their families and conducted home studies for potential adoptive parents. Linda is remembered as a hard worker who chose to continue pursuing her career until the day she died. Her life and work were dedicated to unwavering advocacy on behalf of children in the foster care system. The family would like all those wishing to honor her memory to perform an act of kindness for a child.

An open house celebration of Linda's life will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law at 2257 North Franklin Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803. The family will gladly receive all those who knew and loved her to share in their memories anytime between 2 and 5pm.